Google Gemini in the Classroom

Google Gemini, similar to Copilot, is an AI that can assist with tasks such as generating text, summarizing information, and providing insights. It can also help combine different types of information—whether it’s text, images, or code—to enhance educational tasks.

Gemini for education includes enhanced data protection, meaning that any data shared within Gemini is used solely to respond to your prompts and is not utilized for training or improving other AI models. However, it is important to note that Gemini is not HIPAA compliant, and there are some limitations, such as the inability to conduct custom searches within the University of Miami's firewalls.

To learn more about how to access Gemini using your UM credentials, please visit the Gemini Get Started page. 

Educators can leverage Gemini in several ways to expedite administrative tasks, review assignments for best practices, and generate instructional content.

• Create Rubrics: Use Gemini to generate or refine rubrics for assignments, ensuring alignment with learning goals.
• Evaluate Assignments for UDL: Gemini can help assess whether assignments meet Universal Design for Learning (UDL) guidelines, ensuring accessibility for all students.
• Create Case Studies: Use Gemini to generate case studies relevant to your subject, complete with realistic scenarios for students to analyze.
• Generate Discussion Questions: Ask Gemini to craft thought-provoking discussion questions tailored to your course topics.
• Develop Survey Questions for Student Feedback: Leverage Gemini to create targeted survey questions to gather student feedback on course materials or teaching practices.
• Lesson Planning: Generate lesson plans, including objectives, activities, and assessments, that can be further customized based on class needs.

Students can use Gemini to brainstorm ideas, analyze AI outputs, and more.

• Generate Study Guides: Students can ask Gemini to summarize key concepts from lectures or reading materials, creating custom study guides.
• Manage Assignment and Group Project Timelines: Students can use Gemini to structure their assignments or group projects by setting up timelines, establishing deadlines, and identifying key deliverables, helping them stay organized and manage time effectively.
• Simulate Debates or Role-Play: Students can use Gemini to simulate debates or role-play exercises by generating arguments or counterarguments for various positions on a topic.
• Peer Review Practice: Use Gemini to simulate peer feedback, helping students practice offering constructive critiques before reviewing each other’s work.

Instructors should consider the following steps to ensure effective and ethical use of AI in the classroom:

• Include an AI Policy in the Syllabus: Faculty should consider including a clear AI policy in their syllabus. This can set expectations for AI usage and ethical guidelines for students.
• Discuss AI with Students: Before using AI tools like Gemini, have a discussion with students about its ethical implications, potential biases, and responsible usage. This fosters an open environment where students are aware of both the capabilities and limitations of AI.

Interested in further exploring how to integrate AI into your classroom? Join our asynchronous course on Teaching with AI, where you'll gain deeper insights into leveraging tools like Google Gemini in higher education.

For additional guidance, visit PETAL's Teaching and Learning with AI resource.