8 universities and schools transforming education with the help of Google AI
Higher Education
University of California Riverside: An AI thought and debate partner
Using NotebookLM, students at UC Riverside upload their interpretations of readings and materials along with a short position paper, and then debate with it to find weaknesses in their arguments or test their understanding of the material. “We need to prepare [students] for a future where they’ll need to know how to leverage AI tools effectively in their work environments,” says CIO Matthew Gunkel. “With the Gemini app, we've empowered the entire institution with private and secure generative AI at scale and, importantly, with appropriate safety protections.”
Wake Forest University: Automating note taking and speeding up data analysis
Administrative staff are using Gemini in Meet to take notes for them so they can be more present during meetings. Plus, the provost's office is using NotebookLM to summarize documents and conduct analysis that helps craft university policies, and using Gemini in Sheets to conduct large-scale data analysis more efficiently. "Colleagues in finance were telling us about analysis that they were doing with Gemini that saved them hours,” says Mur Muchane, CIO and vice president for IT. “A task that took eight hours was down to 30 minutes.”
San Diego State University: AI support for students and faculty
Students are using Gemini and NotebookLM for real-time study assistance, writing support, streamlined research and interactive learning. And faculty are using Gemini and NotebookLM to optimize lectures, increase student engagement in class and accelerate research. “Enabling Gemini made perfect sense because it integrates with our existing Google Workspace environment, which is already deeply embedded in how our students, faculty, and staff collaborate and learn,” says Dr. James P. Frazee, CIO and VP for information technology. “This allows us to responsibly introduce AI in ways that align with our commitment to equitable and innovative education.”
Boise State University: Inspiring creativity
Marketing and communication professionals across campus are using Gemini to help generate ideas and get inspiration for various forms of content. “Since we already use Google for our email, document management, presentations and other aspects of our work, it was a no-brainer to utilize Gemini because it most easily integrates with these existing environments and workflows,” says Leif Nelson, Executive Director of Learning Technology Solutions and Research Computing.
K-12 Education
Chicago Public Schools (CPS): Curriculum review and district guidance
Staff are building Gems to act as curriculum reviewers by uploading CPS' curriculum development evidence guides and rubrics and prompting them to evaluate information. They’re also using NotebookLM to simplify and better understand district guidance and policies — like financial reporting requirements — to support them in following district mandates or completing tasks outside of their realm of expertise. “NotebookLM and Gemini are helping people experiment with GenAI in exciting ways, transforming the way they work and allowing them to streamline tasks that would otherwise consume their time,” says Lorne Rodriguez, manager of enterprise generative AI. “Knowing they are covered under our district licenses with Google allows CPS to encourage their use to revolutionize the way we educate our students.”
Miami-Dade County Public Schools: Practice materials and student support
Educators are using Gemini to create quizzes and answer keys while students are creating personalized study materials based on concepts they’re struggling with. Students are also using Gemini to get in-the-moment support — like asking a clarifying question or breaking down an answer step by step — when a teacher is busy with another student. “While Gemini is providing our employees with access to generative AI, Gemini for teens will provide our high school students with the focused support of AI in a safer environment with appropriate safeguards,” says superintendent Dr. Jose L. Dotres.
Albuquerque Public Schools: Grant writing and lesson planning
Teachers are using Gemini to speed up developing personalized lesson plans, often accomplishing what used to take four hours on a Sunday with 20 minutes on a workday. They’re also using Gemini to help with grant research and writing, leading to winning four grants totalling $100,000. “With Gemini, my planning is so fast and easy,” says STEM teacher Natali Barretto. “ I can adapt my lesson plan to the needs of my students, and it can give me more ideas. I feel like I can give more attention to my students and projects using AI rather than spending my whole afternoon or weekends working on the planning.”
The Ottawa Catholic School Board: Personalized learning and student resources
Teachers are using Gemini to create differentiated experiences for students with varying learning needs, like special education, English as a second language (ESL) and advanced learners. Students are using Gemini to explain concepts in a simpler way and get support when they don’t have a teacher, parent or friend to help. “[Gemini] really empowers the students to make sure that they’re gaining these skills so that they can take them with them to whatever role they end up being, whether that’s postsecondary or in the world of work,” says teacher Tara Potter.
