ChatGPT Edu
Introduction
This guide explores four different sections of ChatGPT Edu usage. AI is a wonderful tool that has capabilities that can assist users in a variety of tasks. The four sections we will discuss are:
- AI Research & Application: How to create GPTs, conduct deep research, and organize chats
- Data Tools & Analysis: How to use the search feature and complete data analysis
- Productivity Features: How to use the Canvas feature and attachments within ChatGPT Edu
- AI Dialogue: How to switch between models and what those different models excel at
Learning more about the intricacies of ChatGPT Edu can allow users to be more effective with their artificial intelligence usage.
GPT Creation
ChatGPT Edu has the ability to create custom GPTs to personalize how AI responds to your needs. ChatGPT Edu lets you view existing GPTs in the CES community, create your own GPT using the built-in chat interface, and share your GPT to enhance collaboration and productivity.
Learn more about the step by step process of creating GPTs with the video below.
Deep Research
The Deep Research feature in ChatGPT Edu allows you to receive in-depth research on a specific topic, gathering information from multiple sources. This is especially useful for academic work, detailed reports, or exploring complex ideas.
To use this feature, click the "Deep Research" button in the prompt entry box and enter your topic or question. ChatGPT may ask for clarification before beginning its search. Once the research starts, a progress bar will indicate its status, which can take anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes.
When finished, ChatGPT will provide a detailed response with insights from multiple sources, making it easy to verify and explore the information further. This tool is ideal for anyone who needs comprehensive, well-sourced research without spending hours searching manually.
Projects
Projects in ChatGPT Edu function like folders for your chat history, helping you keep conversations organized by topic. This makes it easy to revisit past discussions without searching through your entire chat history.
To create a project, click the plus sign (+) next to "Projects" in the left menu. Enter a name and select "Create Project". This opens a chat interface where you can start new conversations within the project or drag and drop existing chats to group them.
By using projects, you can efficiently manage research, brainstorming sessions, or coursework, ensuring that related conversations stay in one place for quick access.
Search Feature
ChatGPT Edu includes a powerful Search feature that allows users to access up-to-date information directly from the internet. Unlike a standard ChatGPT conversation, this tool gathers real-time data from external sources before responding, ensuring that answers are based on the latest available information.
To use this feature, click the "Search" button in the prompt entry box before entering your query. ChatGPT will then search the web, compile relevant results, and provide a response along with source references. This makes it easy to verify information and explore topics in more depth.
The Search feature is especially useful for research, fact-checking, and staying current on rapidly changing topics. It also helps reduce AI hallucinations by prioritizing information from credible external sources over the model’s internal knowledge base.
Data Analysis
ChatGPT Edu is a powerful tool for data analysis, capable of crunching numbers, generating visualizations, and identifying patterns within datasets. Whether you're working on research, business insights, or academic projects, ChatGPT can quickly process and analyze your data.
To get started, attach a dataset by clicking the “+” in the bottom right corner of the prompt entry box. Then, describe the analysis or visualization you need. You can refine your request as needed to get the best results.
Before uploading data, ensure it complies with BYU’s usage policies. For details on permitted data types, visit the BYU GenAI Data Restrictions page. For further questions about data privacy, contact the BYU AI Committee at ai-committee@byu.edu.
Using Canvas
Canvas is a newer feature within ChatGPT Edu. It works as an interactive workspace to revise and create text and code. Canvas can be accessed through a dropdown button labeled with three dots on any chat screen.
Once Canvas is selected, ChatGPT will include Canvas in the prompt is given to the chatbot.
Once the prompt is sent to the chatbot, the canvas page will appear on your screen as ChatGPT generates a response. Users can then give revisions or changes to ChatGPT to edit the text through the chatbot on the left side of the page. Users can also alter the text directly. Options will appear in the top right corner of the screen to copy the text, share the text, and "run" the text (applicable to coding chats).
Canvas streamlines the text creation process, making it effortless to draft, refine, and finalize content—all within ChatGPT. With intuitive editing tools and real-time revision capabilities, it puts you in control, helping you produce polished work with ease.
Attachments
ChatGPT Edu allows you to upload files like documents, graphs, and images to enhance your chat experience. This feature is especially useful for quickly analyzing complex information, summarizing research, or extracting key insights from lengthy documents.
To attach a file, start a new chat and click the plus sign at the bottom left of the text box. Select your file from the explorer, and it will appear in the chat. You can remove it by clicking the black "X" next to the file name.
Once uploaded, you can ask ChatGPT Edu specific questions about the file. For example, after uploading an article, you might ask, “What are the 10 main ideas? What are some questions this article answers? What’s one key takeaway for educators?” ChatGPT Edu will analyze the content and provide a summary, saving time on reading long documents and making it easier to find relevant information.
Model Switching
With your ChatGPT Edu account, you can switch between multiple AI models, each optimized for different tasks. Whether you need quick responses or detailed analysis, selecting the right model can improve efficiency and accuracy.
- GPT-4.5 is a good option for writing and exploring ideas
- GPT-4o mini is the fastest and most efficient, making it ideal for emails, brainstorming, and quick summaries.
- GPT-4o provides deeper reasoning and accuracy, perfect for research, detailed writing, and coding.
- GPT-3.5 is a lightweight option when you need basic responses without as much complexity.
Different tasks require different levels of processing—sometimes speed is key, while other times, depth and precision matter more. By switching models as needed, you can tailor ChatGPT Edu to best suit your workflow.
Conversational AI vs Deep Thinking
ChatGPT Edu offers AI models that excel in different areas, including Conversational AI and Deep Thinking. Understanding these concepts can help you choose the right model for your needs.
- Conversational AI focuses on natural, fluid interactions. It’s best for tasks like explaining grammar rules, brainstorming ideas, or getting recommendations for weekend activities.
- Deep Thinking involves complex reasoning and analysis, making it ideal for solving logic problems, conducting in-depth research, or evaluating long-term impacts.
Different models, like GPT-4o and o3, may be better suited for one approach over the other. By selecting the right model, you can optimize ChatGPT Edu for anything from casual discussions to advanced problem-solving.
Deep Thinking:
Conversational AI:
