Introduction

This article provides an overview of Google’s AI tools: Gemini app, NotebookLM, and Google AI Pro (formerly Google Workspace with Gemini).

Explanation

When you access these tools with your Virginia Tech account, the following applies:

• Your Virginia Tech data isn’t used to train Google’s AI models - it’s only used to provide answers to you.  The data remains within the VT account.
• These tools are available for use with high-risk data.

Gemini App

Description

The Gemini app is a standalone AI assistant, offering features like generating text, brainstorming ideas, summarizing information, creating images, and answering questions using multimodal inputs (text, voice, images).

Access

• Make sure that you are logged into your VT Google account. You will know that you are logged in if you see "Managed by vt.edu” at the top right of the browser page when you click on your avatar on any of Google’s pages. This ensures you have the data protection provided by your Virginia Tech account.
• Google Search: Click on “AI Mode” in the Google search bar in the Google search bar
• Alternatively, navigate directly to Google Gemini.

How to get started

• Use this prompt with the Gemini app, “Tell me more about the Gemini app.”
• Training workshops may be available through the Professional Development Network.
• On-demand resources from LinkedIn Learning (through OneCampus) are available. For example, Google Gemini: Get Started with Google’s AI Assistant.

Google NotebookLM

Description

NotebookLM is an AI-powered research assistant that works only with your uploaded sources (PDFs, Google Docs, YouTube videos, Web URLs, text files, etc.).

Access

• Make sure that you are logged in with your VT username and password and two-factor. You know that you are logged in if you see "Managed by vt.edu” at the top right of the web page when you click on your avatar. Otherwise, you won’t get the data protection provided by your Virginia Tech account.
• Go to https://notebooklm.google.com.

How to get started

• Use this prompt with the Gemini app, “How do I effectively use NotebookLM?”
• Training workshops may be available through the Professional Development Network.
• Many on-demand resources from LinkedIn Learning (through OneCampus) are available. For example, NotebookLM: First Look.
• Google’s resources: NotebookLM - Education One Pager.

Google AI Pro

Description

Google AI Pro integrates AI directly into Google Workspace applications like Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Meet, and provides expanded access to premium models and features in the Gemini app and NotebookLM.

Google AI Pro is a premium subscription that can be purchased for employee use by departments at the Software Service Center. It can take up to two weeks from the time we receive the department's order to when the license will be available for use.

Access

Google AI Pro will be available at Virginia Tech sometime in January. Once available, you will need to purchase a license from the Software Service Center at https://software.vt.edu/deptsoftware/googleaipro. It can take up to 24 hours for the license to be applied to your account once purchased. Once active, you will see a “sparkle” icon and Ask Gemini within Google Workspace Drive, Gmail, Docs, and Sheets.

How to get started

• Use this prompt with the Gemini app, “How do I write good prompts for Google AI Pro?”
• Training workshops may be available through the Professional Development Network
• Many on-demand resources from LinkedIn Learning (through OneCampus) are available. For example, Gemini in Google Docs.

Additional Resources

• Use this prompt with the Gemini app, “Where’s the best place to learn more about Google’s AI?”

• Google’s resources
  • Empower Learning with Gemini for Education - Google for Education
  • Get Started with Google AI in K12 Education: Google for Education