Please note: Gemini Education and Gemini Notebook are only available for a small number of local authorities as part of a pilot programme to evaluate how they could be used in the classroom with learners. The pilot will run from Aug 2025 – Jan 2026 and then we will update this page with the outcomes.
Appropriate Use: Generative AI
Be aware that these Generative AI tools contain functionality which allows the upload of pictures and files. It is the responsibility of the user not to upload content or enter prompts which may generate inappropriate or concerning text or imagery, or which contains any personal, sensitive or confidential information.
Please also refer to the Scottish Government’s AI Guidance for Schools when using any kind of AI tool within education.
About Gemini Education
Click on the plus next to each question on the right:
Generative AI is a broad term used to describe a type of artificial intelligence that can create new content, such as text, music, images, video or code, based on user instructions or prompts.
Gemini Education is a generative AI tool that can answer a range of questions and compose content in a variety of formats. It is accessible via a web browser with a user being required to sign in before accessing the service. Users enter requests in the form of a prompt and will be presented with the results. Users will be able to choose from 3 drafts of Google Gemini’s response. They can choose one that meets their needs or use information from each of the drafts. Users can modify the responses by choosing ‘shorter, longer, simpler, more casual or more professional’ options depending on their requirements. Users can also click the Google icon to double-check the responses. Google Gemini will then link content in the responses to where it was selected from. This is useful for checking results and for citing content.
Please note that Google Gemini is an 18+ app and will only be available to staff within Glow, if your local authority or establishment have requested it.
Gemini is still under development. You should review any information it provides before presenting it to your learners. However, it can be a valuable tool to boost creativity, improve lesson planning, and support teaching.
The solution we have available via Glow is the basic Google Gemini that’s free to use within Google Workspace Fundamentals.
However, there are various different versions depending on requirements and if users are willing to pay for a solution.
Google Gemini model family
There are also Google Gemini Workspace solutions that are embedded into Google Workspace for Education, supporting with saving teacher time on everyday tasks, creating captivating learning experiences, and inspiring fresh ideas, all in a private and secure environment. These solutions come in 2 paid for licence models called Gemini Education and Gemini Education Premium.
Getting started with Gemini Education in Glow
How to access Gemini Education
Gemini Education quick start guide
Gemini Education features
Google Gemini offers several powerful features to enhance user interaction and productivity within Google Gemini. Open up the sections below to find out how you can make the most out of these features.
Click on the plus next to each question below:
Educators have the ability to upload and analyse various file types using Gemini.
Educators can use File Upload to:
– Summarise Research: Upload documents for quick overviews.
– Generate Discussion: Share course outlines for question ideas.
– Identify Common Errors: Upload student work to spot trends.
– Suggest Activities: Provide learning aims for activity suggestions.
– Simplify Complex Information: Upload articles for easier explanations.
– Improve Worksheets: Share drafts for feedback.
– Create Prompts: Upload images for writing inspiration.
Example of use: A teacher could upload a research article and ask Gemini to simplify it for a specific year group.
Appropriate use: Please be aware that these Generative AI tools contain functionality which allows the upload of pictures and files. It is the responsibility of the user not to upload content or enter prompts which may generate inappropriate or concerning text or imagery, or which contains any personal, sensitive or confidential information.
Useful Link: Upload and analyse files in Gemini Apps – Android – Gemini Apps Help
“Nano Banana” is the nickname for Google’s Gemini 2.5 Flash Image, a powerful AI-powered image generation and editing tool. It specialises in transforming photos into hyper-realistic 3D models, such as collectable figurines, or stylising them in various artistic and cinematic styles. The tool is known for its speed, accessibility, and ability to maintain a subject’s likeness across different edits and scenarios. Users interact with it through simple text prompts, making it easy for anyone to create professional-quality visuals without advanced technical skills.
In an educational setting, Nano Banana can be a useful tool for Educators to use themselves, or with a class by demonstrating the capabilities on a whiteboard.
Educators can use Nano Banana to:
– Enhance Learning Materials: The tool can generate custom visuals for lessons, such as creating diagrams for complex scientific concepts, illustrating historical figures in period clothing, and designing infographics to summarise large amounts of information. It’s also great at keeping a consistent character or look across multiple images.
– Support Different Learning Styles: The tool’s versatility allows for the creation of visuals that appeal to various learning styles. This could involve generating realistic visuals for technical subjects, surreal imagery for abstract ideas, or engaging concept art for gamified learning.
Data Privacy: Please be aware that these Generative AI tools contain functionality which allows the upload of pictures and files. It is the responsibility of the user not to upload content or enter prompts which may generate inappropriate or concerning text or imagery, or which contains any personal, sensitive or confidential information.
Useful Link: Gemini Image Generation – Glow Connect
Canvas is a new interactive space within Gemini designed to make creating, refining and sharing your work easy. Simply select “Canvas” in your prompt bar (along the bottom of the screen) and you can write and edit documents, generate quizzes, audio files similar to podcasts, and even write code with changes appearing in real-time.
Bring your ideas to life as apps, games, infographics and more. Go from prompt to prototype in minutes.
Educators can use Canvas to:
– Generate High-Quality First Drafts: Create one or more initial versions of the rewritten statement.
– Simulate Gemini’s Feedback: Provide feedback on previous drafts, acting as if Gemini is suggesting edits for improvement.
– Quickly Perfect the Work: Refine the drafts to create a polished final version.
– Highlight Editing Capabilities: Demonstrate how it can adjust the tone, length, or formatting of the drafts.
– Generate Quizzes: Quickly create a quiz with answer key using materials you upload.
– Create Apps: Create interactive apps without the need to code them.
– Generate Infographics: Break down complex documents into visual infographics with charts and stats.
Example of use: A teacher could highlight a paragraph from a prompt output and ask Gemini to make it more relevant to a specific age of learner without having to generate a new prompt.
Appropriate use: Please be aware that these Generative AI tools contain functionality which allows the upload of pictures and files. It is the responsibility of the user not to upload content or enter prompts which may generate inappropriate or concerning text or imagery, or which contains any personal, sensitive or confidential information.
Useful Links:
Personalise learning with Quizzes, available through Canvas in Gemini – Glow Connect
Canvas Coding and Audio Overview
Gemini Deep Research is an advanced feature within the Gemini AI that allows for in-depth exploration of topics. It can autonomously browse and analyse vast amounts of information from numerous online sources to generate comprehensive, multi-page research reports with cited sources, saving users significant time and effort.
Educators benefits are:
– Enhanced Research Capabilities: Educators can conduct thorough research on complex topics more efficiently, going beyond simple keyword searches.
– Deeper Understanding: By analysing multiple sources and synthesising information, it can help users gain a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of subjects.
– Support Workload: Teachers could leverage it to gather information for lesson planning, curriculum development, and staying updated with latest areas of development within their curricular area.
– Development of Research Skills: Gemini Deep Research synthesises information and supports with developing research and analytical skills.
– Time Savings: Educators can save time on research, allowing them to focus on other aspects of learning and teaching.
Example of use: A teacher could conduct some in depth research into a specific topic in preparation for creating some lesson materials.
Appropriate use: Please be aware that these Generative AI tools contain functionality which allows the upload of pictures and files. It is the responsibility of the user not to upload content or enter prompts which may generate inappropriate or concerning text or imagery, or which contains any personal, sensitive or confidential information.
Useful Links:
Deep Research Updates in Gemini – Glow Connect
Gemini Deep Research Demo | Using AI to learn new topics in depth
In Google Gemini, “Gems” are like your own custom-built versions of the AI. You can tweak their instructions and give them specific knowledge, so they are better at helping you with particular tasks or topics you are interested in. Think of them as personalised AI assistants within Gemini that supports with repetitive tasks.
Educators benefits are:
– Custom AI Helpers: Create AI focused on specific subjects or tasks.
– Quicker Lesson Prep: Generate outlines, activities, and assessments faster.
– Curated Resources: Find relevant teaching materials quickly.
– Support Diverse Learners: Create content at different levels.
– Stay Updated Easily: Monitor news and research in their field.
– Share Teaching Tools: Collaborate by sharing useful Gems.
Example of use: A teacher could create a Gem for structuring lesson materials with specific sections including, lesson objectives, differentiation and success criteria, so they do not need to specify this every time.
Appropriate use: Please be aware that these Generative AI tools contain functionality which allows the upload of pictures and files. It is the responsibility of the user not to upload content or enter prompts which may generate inappropriate or concerning text or imagery, or which contains any personal, sensitive or confidential information.
Useful Link: How To Use Gems in Gemini to Save Time with AI (Please note that Gems integration into Google Workspace is not available within Glow)
You can now use Gemini to craft personalised, illustrated storybooks about any topic with read-aloud narration. You can create a story by simply describing the storybook you want in a prompt (e.g. “Create a storybook for a 5 year old explaining people in our community who help us”), or by using the new pre-made Storybook Gem, and Gemini will create a unique 10-page illustrated storybook complete with custom audio narration. You can also add content such as photos and other files to teach a lesson through visual storytelling, explore moments in the past, or use it as a vibrant canvas for imaginative fiction.
Benefits: The storybook feature in Gemini provides educational benefits through personalised, interactive content. It improves literacy and language skills by offering stories at a child’s reading level and expanding vocabulary in various languages. It boosts creativity by letting children co-author stories and see their ideas come to life. The feature also simplifies complex topics and promotes social and emotional learning by integrating moral lessons and helping children express feelings. For educators, it’s a valuable, time-saving tool for creating customised learning materials.
Example of use: A teacher could create a Storybook using a child’s drawing to really bring it to life and open up literacy opportunities.
Appropriate use: Please be aware that these Generative AI tools contain functionality which allows the upload of pictures and files. It is the responsibility of the user not to upload content or enter prompts which may generate inappropriate or concerning text or imagery, or which contains any personal, sensitive or confidential information.
Useful Link: Use Gemini to create illustrated storybooks – Glow Connect
Guided Learning in Gemini is a personal AI learning companion that uses questions and step-by-step guidance to help you build a deep understanding of a subject rather than just getting quick answers.
It is designed to be a personalised and interactive experience, often leveraging technology to provide step-by-step support, visual aids, and interactive quizzes.
However, if your students don’t have direct access to Gemini, you can still adapt the core principles of guided learning to create a similar experience in your classroom.
Benefits: The core of guided learning is breaking down complex topics and encouraging active participation. You can replicate this process using traditional classroom methods.
Examples of use:
– Think-Pair-Share: Use Gemini to generate a thought-provoking question or a problem. Have students “think” about their answer individually, “pair” up with a classmate to discuss their ideas, and then “share” their combined thoughts with the larger group.
– Interactive Demonstrations: Use a projected display or a single computer to show the output from Gemini’s guided learning. As Gemini provides a step-by-step breakdown of a problem, you can pause at each step and ask the class questions, just as the AI would. This turns a passive viewing experience into an active, collaborative one.
– “Snowball” or “Paper Toss” Activity: Ask students to write a question they have about the topic on a piece of paper (or a small post-it note). They can then crumple the paper into a “snowball” and gently toss it across the room. Each student picks up a new snowball and tries to answer the question on it. This encourages peer-to-peer learning and active engagement.
– Fishbowl Discussions: Use Gemini to generate a controversial or complex topic. Arrange a small group of students in a circle in the center of the room to discuss the topic, while the rest of the class sits in an outer circle and observes. Students can take turns moving into the inner circle to contribute to the conversation.
Appropriate use: Please be aware that these Generative AI tools contain functionality which allows the upload of pictures and files. It is the responsibility of the user not to upload content or enter prompts which may generate inappropriate or concerning text or imagery, or which contains any personal, sensitive or confidential information.
Useful Link: Gemini: Guided Learning – Glow Connect
Gemini in Google Classroom is a suite of generative AI tools available to educators. Generative AI is an emerging type of artificial intelligence that can generate new and unique content, rather than simply analysing or acting on existing data.
Benefits: Streamline workflow processes by maximising the use of Gemini directly within Classroom and pushing the content out to learners via classwork assignments.
Examples of use:
– Outline a lesson plan
– Create a vocabulary list
– Craft a compelling hook
– Build a choice board
– Generate a quiz
– Re-level text
– Starter prompts
– Write a story
Appropriate use: Please be aware that these Generative AI tools contain functionality which allows the upload of pictures and files. It is the responsibility of the user not to upload content or enter prompts which may generate inappropriate or concerning text or imagery, or which contains any personal, sensitive or confidential information.
Useful Link: Gemini in Google Classroom – Glow Connect
Gemini Education Use Cases and Feedback
A pilot program with Argyll & Bute and Clackmannanshire assessed Google Gemini’s effectiveness for educators. Participants found Gemini significantly reduced workload by supporting tasks like planning for lessons, quizzes, and assessments. The AI tool also boosted creativity by generating ideas and diverse learning materials. However, limitations of the free version used, such as inability to process uploaded documents, were noted. Overall, the program showed Gemini’s potential to support learning, teaching and assessment, but emphasised the need for user oversight and critical thinking to ensure accuracy and effectiveness.
Potential risks associated with using AI within Education
It is important to understand and manage the potential risks that are associated with the use of AI.
Please note: It is the responsibility of the user, not to attempt to enter prompts in order to generate inappropriate or concerning text or imagery when using Generative AI tools and not to enter any personal, sensitive or confidential information.
Please see the table below that outlines some of the potential risks and mitigations that can be put in place.
Click on the plus next to each risk below.
Gemini Education add-on: Content won’t be reviewed by human reviewers or otherwise to improve generative AI models.
Use Gemini with a work or school Google Account – Android – Gemini Apps Help
Risk: Conversations with Gemini are saved on Google’s servers for up to 18 months.
Mitigation: If the information submitted to Gemini is neither personal, sensitive, or confidential then this reduces the privacy risk.
Risk: There are concerns that user data from Gemini conversations, even if anonymised, could be used to train other Google products and services.
Mitigation: If no personal, sensitive or confidential information will be input into Gemini, then the risk of any impact of this is low.
Risk: Researchers have shown that Gemini may be tricked into revealing sensitive information through carefully crafted inputs (Google’s Gemini AI Vulnerable to Content Manipulation (darkreading.com)).
Mitigation: If no personal, sensitive or confidential information will be input into Gemini, then the risk of any impact of this is low.
Risk: Although Google assures security, there’s always a chance that user data could be accessed by unauthorised individuals, including employees, vendors, or even hackers.
Mitigation: This is a risk for any organisational product, not just Google Gemini. Google do have appropriate controls in place (see links below).
Risk: Generative models, especially those trained on text or images, can unintentionally include bits of sensitive information from the training data in their outputs. This could include personal details or confidential business information.
Mitigation: If the information submitted to Gemini is neither personal, sensitive, or confidential then this reduces the privacy risk.
Risk: Generative AI models themselves can be vulnerable to attacks where unauthorised users access and steal the training data, potentially including sensitive information.
Mitigation: Appropriate security controls should mitigate this, and this is not unique to Google.
Gemini Education Pilot Report
Gemini Education Support Document
All of the information on this page is available as a downloadable document below.
Google Documentation
How to write a prompt
Find out about Google’s five prompt-writing building blocks for better outputs.
Responsibility checklist
Refer to Google’s list of guidelines to ensure the accurate and ethical use of AI.
100+ Gemini uses
Ideas and inspiration! Please note that not all of these examples will be available within Glow.
Additional Google Links
Gemini apps privacy hub
Find out about Google’s app privacy information, what data is collected and how it is used.
AI Quests
AI Quests is an engaging program that lets students learn about artificial intelligence.
Gemini training
Learn how to save time on tasks, personalise instruction and enhance lessons.
Gemini Education News Posts
Latest news posts regarding Gemini, including product updates.
Personalise learning with Quizzes, available through Canvas in Gemini What’s changing? You can now generate quizzes for any subject using Canvas in the Gemini app by uploading relevant documents or simply entering a prompt like…
Deep Research Updates in Gemini What is it? Deep Research in Gemini is an advanced AI tool that acts as a personal research assistant. It generates comprehensive, multi-page reports by intelligently browsing hundreds of websites,…
Google Gemini AI Webinars Overview We are delighted that Google for Education and Canopy Education are supporting the roll out and adoption of Google Gemini AI via Glow by running some “Getting Started with Google…