Eight Schools Leading the Way with Google AI in Education
The education landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, fueled by the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence. Institutions are no longer just considering AI; they’re actively integrating it to reshape their teaching practices. A recent announcement from Google highlighted eight educational institutions that are utilizing Google’s AI tools, such as NotebookLM and Gemini, to create a more dynamic and effective learning environment.
This shift comes at a time when concerns about AI’s impact on education are prevalent. However, these pioneering schools are demonstrating a more nuanced reality. They are actively using AI tools to empower students, enhance teaching methods, and improve overall operational efficiency.
AI as a Catalyst for Critical Thinking and Efficiency in Higher Education
The traditional walls of academia are expanding, embracing technology to foster deeper learning, accelerate research, and optimize administrative functions.
University of California, Riverside
At UC Riverside, AI is becoming an active participant in the learning process. Students are utilizing NotebookLM, Google’s AI-powered research assistant, to engage in intellectual debates. By uploading their interpretations of readings and drafting position papers, they challenge the AI, stress-testing their arguments and identifying potential weaknesses. In an interview with Edscoop, Matthew Gunkel, UC Riverside’s chief information officer, explained their proactive approach extends beyond the classroom. They are streamlining HR processes using generative AI within Google Workspace, automating job posting creation and improving tracking, ultimately speeding up these workflows.
Wake Forest University
Efficiency is at the forefront at Wake Forest University, where Gemini is being deployed to optimize both administrative and academic workflows. Administrative staff are using Gemini in Google Meet to automate note-taking, allowing them to be more present and engaged during meetings. The provost’s office uses NotebookLM to summarize complex documents and conduct in-depth analyses for university policies. Gemini in Sheets helps with large-scale data analysis, significantly reducing the time required for these tasks.
In a recent letter to staff and students, Mur Muchane, the CIO and Vice President for IT at Wake Forest, highlighted the impact of these AI tools. “Whether you are brainstorming new ideas, sparking creativity for your projects, or enhancing your presentations with compelling visuals, these AI tools can be valuable companions.”
San Diego State University
SDSU is using AI to personalize the learning experience for both students and faculty. Gemini and NotebookLM provide students with study assistance, writing support, streamlined research capabilities, and interactive learning opportunities. Faculty members are also utilizing AI to optimize lectures, boost student engagement, and accelerate their research efforts. Dr. James P. Frazee, CIO and VP for Information Technology, remarked on the seamless integration of Gemini within the university’s Google Workspace environment. “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,” Frazee noted to Google. “This allows us to responsibly introduce AI in ways that align with our commitment to equitable and innovative education.”
Boise State University
Boise State University is tapping into Gemini to fuel the creative processes of its marketing and communications professionals. Gemini is used to generate ideas and inspire content creation across various formats. Leif Nelson, Executive Director of Learning Technology Solutions and Research Computing, emphasized the intuitive integration of Gemini within the university’s Google ecosystem. “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,” Nelson explained to Google.
AI as a Catalyst for Equity and Access in K-12 Education
The transformative power of AI is not limited to higher education; K-12 schools are similarly leveraging AI to personalize learning, provide targeted support, and improve efficiency.
Chicago Public Schools
CPS is utilizing AI to optimize operations and enhance curriculum development. Staff members use Gemini’s customizable AI tools, called Gems, as curriculum reviewers, uploading CPS’s curriculum development evidence guides and rubrics to facilitate evaluation. NotebookLM simplifies district guidance and policies, such as financial reporting requirements, enabling staff to navigate complex procedures with ease. Lorne Rodriguez, Manager of Enterprise Generative AI, emphasized the transformative potential of these AI tools. “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,” Rodriguez explained to Google. “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
Miami-Dade County Public Schools is using Gemini to provide personalized support to both educators and students. Educators use Gemini to create quizzes and answer keys, while students leverage the AI to generate personalized study materials tailored to their individual learning needs. Gemini also provides students with on-demand support, such as clarifying questions and step-by-step explanations. Superintendent Dr. Jose L. Dotres emphasized the importance of providing safe and secure AI tools to students. “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.”
Albuquerque Public Schools
Albuquerque Public Schools is empowering teachers and streamlining lesson planning with the help of Gemini. Teachers use Gemini to expedite the development of personalized lesson plans, reducing planning time significantly. Gemini also contributes to successful grant research and writing, supporting funding wins for the district. STEM teacher Natali Barretto highlighted the transformative impact of Gemini on her teaching practice: “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
The Ottawa Catholic School Board is taking a proactive approach to AI, positioning Gemini as a “thought partner” for students and prioritizing AI literacy. The OCSB’s mission and guiding principles are the foundation for its AI adoption strategy, ensuring that technology aligns with educational values. Geoff Edwards, Superintendent of Learning Technologies for OCSB, emphasized to Google the importance of preparing students for an AI-driven world. “I can’t imagine an area that wouldn’t have an expectation of using artificial intelligence in their work moving forward. To prepare our students so they’re familiar with AI and all its opportunities, especially when it comes to equity, we use Gemini to make sure they’re on the forefront of what they need to know about AI.” Educators at OCSB are also receiving professional development. A recent post on their website explained, “At the OCSB, we’re focused on making sure our educators are ready to use AI in ways that truly benefit students. Our AI Certification program offers free professional development, helping educators master five powerful AI tools that are Board-approved and ready for the classroom.”
The Tangible Impact of AI in Education
These examples demonstrate that AI in education is now a present reality with tangible benefits. As these eight institutions demonstrate, the key to success lies in a thoughtful and strategic approach that prioritizes clear goals and a focus on empowering both educators and students. Google’s AI tools are proving to be powerful catalysts in this transformation. Together with the vision and dedication of these pioneering institutions, AI is being used as a tool to shape the future of education.
