Technology is progressing at an expeditious pace and Artificial Intelligence (AI) is at the forefront of this movement. Gemini by Google is emerging as an alternative to ChatGPT offering advanced features that can assist with online learning, creativity, and information management. 

This SmartSocial guide explores how to use Gemini and the implications it has for digital safety and education. Whether you're a parent looking to guide your child through the digital landscape, an educator seeking innovative teaching tools, or a student eager to leverage the latest technology for academic success, it’s important to stay ahead of the digital curve to ensure safe and responsible online engagement.

Educators and parents: Guide your students' reflection and discussion with this student worksheet. (Log in to your Google account and select File-->Make a Copy)

Top Concerns with Gemini

• Gemini has recently been criticized in the news for having bias and generating inappropriate and inaccurate information and images (Source: Forbes)
• AI allows students the opportunity to cheat on school assignments
• Gemini is not always accurate and information garnered from responses should always be fact checked

Parent & Educator Training Video

What is Google Gemini?

• Google’s AI tool is built by the Google DeepMind AI research library (replacing Google Bard) and is a direct competitor to ChatGPT by OpenAI
• Gemini is multimodal which means that it can understand and generate images or text responses based on text, code, audio, video, and image
• All chatbot conversations with Gemini are reviewed by humans
• The Gemini homepage offers several suggestions for queries within the program and how to best ask a question
• Users can access Gemini via Google apps on mobile devices, the web browser, or within various Google Workspace programs
• The Gemini app can be downloaded from the Google PlayStore to replace the Google Assistant on Android devices.  Google Maps will continue being run by Google Assistant (Source:  Google)
• There is an option to “double-check responses” in Gemini to access the internet sources for information it provides

‍There are 3 Different Sizes of Gemini

• Gemini Pro, the free version that is most widely used, is suited to a broad range of operations
• Gemini Advanced is available for intricate jobs through a paid subscription ($20 monthly) and is reported to be faster and more advanced than Gemini Pro
• Gemini Nano is used on certain Android devices

‍What is prompt engineering?

• The Gemini AI chatbot (similar to ChatGPT) uses “prompts,” or text-based instructions, to tell it what kind of information the user wants to receive
• Users can refine the answers they receive by asking follow-up prompts such as, “Make it more professional” or “Can you give me more information?” since Gemini remembers previous requests
• Prompt engineering is a new term for a field that is made up of people who are experts at creating the perfect prompt to get the best information from AI

How can teens use Gemini for school?

• Research Assistant: Students can use Gemini as a search engine, provided they double-check all information (we recommend students verify the information with at least two valid sources)
• Planning: Brainstorming ideas for essays and project ideas, organizing tasks, and time management
• Language Tutor: Gemini can be used for conversational practice for students who need help with a foreign language. Tell Gemini which language you want to practice and it will generate text that you can respond to in a conversational format
• Formulas: Gemini can provide spreadsheet formulas, check programming code, and provide grammatical help
• Quizzes:  Students can tell Gemini to quiz them on specific topics such as history or math problems

Is Gemini better than ChatGPT?

• Gemini is directly connected to the internet, provides real-time information, and makes it easy to check the sources
• Gemini offers users the opportunity to rate the responses with either a thumb up or thumb down
• Because Gemini is a Google product, there are more limitations for iOS users
• ChatGPT is more established that Gemini and is embedded in many third party applications

Examples of Gemini in the News

Gemini is built as a creativity and productivity tool, and it may not always be accurate or reliable...We’re continuing to quickly address instances in which the product isn’t responding appropriately. - Google spokesperson, Time Magazine

What Gemini, and early versions of ChatGPT, have illustrated is that the tools can produce unforeseeable and sometimes unsettling results that even the engineers working on the advanced technology cannot always predict ahead of a tool's public launch. - NPR

More Resources for Parents, Students, & Educators

ChatGPT Guide: What Parents, Educators, & Students Need to Know

Positive Ways to Use ChatGPT for Students

AI Writing Tools for Students: What You Need to Know About Jasper AI, ChatGPT, and More

How to Use AI for College Prep

Conclusion

As Google Gemini continues to develop, it has the potential to be a valuable asset in classrooms and homes alike. By fostering open communication and responsible use, parents and educators can guide students toward leveraging Gemini's capabilities for learning, creativity, and critical thinking. Remember, AI is a tool, and with the right approach, Google Gemini can empower students to become independent learners and responsible digital citizens.