Google Gemini and NotebookLM Overview

Google Gemini

Gemini can be used to create new content and images, help brainstorm ideas, draft, summarize, or critique writing, explore complex topics, and assist with research and creative work to enhance education and workflow tasks.

Get Started

• Go to gemini.google.com.

• Log in with your @oswego.edu email address and password.

• A shield icon will appear in the prompt window when you are logged in.

• Alternatively, the Gemini app is available for the latest version of Chrome by searching @Gemini in the address bar.

Gemini Features

Features of Gemini continue to improve for specialized tasks. Use the plus sign next to the prompt selection, to select specialized tools to customize your tasks or research, going beyond the simple query.

1. Guided Learning: Use this Learning prompt sample with your role and a specific topic to begin your learning journey with a personal tutor. Powered by LearnLM, Guided Learning was designed in collaboration with educators to foster critical thinking skills rather than handing out the answers. It deep dives into the research and analysis of a problem or topic to deepen comprehension and synthesize information into step-by-step conversations and multimodal demonstrations such as videos, diagrams, and quizzes.
2. Deep Research: When you need to write a big report, this tool acts as a powerful research assistant that searches the web to gather information for you. It reads through multiple sources, checks the facts, and then organizes everything into a detailed summary document complete with citations. Both students and instructors can save hours of reading by letting the AI do the heavy lifting of finding and sorting complex information.
3. Canvas: Canvas is a special workspace next to your chat where you can write, edit, and even write computer code side-by-side with the AI. Students can use it to draft an essay and get instant feedback on specific paragraphs, while instructors can use it to quickly build interactive web pages or learning games. It is perfect for larger projects because you can highlight certain sections of your work and have the AI improve just those parts.
4. Images: This feature lets you create custom, high-quality pictures just by typing a simple description of what you want to see. Students can bring their creative writing assignments to life with unique artwork, and instructors can make their lesson slides much more visually engaging for the class. It removes the need to spend hours searching online for the perfect picture since the AI draws it for you instantly.
5. Create Music: With this tool, you can generate custom audio clips and explore sound design by typing out the style or mood of the music you want to hear. Students can easily create original background tracks for their school video projects without worrying about copyright rules. Instructors can also use it to make fun, catchy intro music for their class podcasts or digital presentations.

Gems

Gems let you build your very own custom AI chatbots that are trained to act exactly how you want them to for specific tasks. An instructor could create a Gem that acts as a historical figure to let students interview them, or a writing coach that only gives hints instead of the answers. It allows anyone to save their favorite instructions into a personalized AI helper that is always ready to assist with your daily schoolwork. Access from the Gemini left menu.

Connected Google Workspace Apps

You may manage whether Gemini connects to Google Workspace apps (Drive, Gmail, Calendar, Tasks, etc) at gemini.google.com/apps. Once Google Workspace apps have been connected, any data saved previously cannot be removed. You may turn off the connection if you previously turned it on.

Using Gemini in Chrome (optional feature)

Google is gradually releasing the optional Gemini feature in Chrome (not incognito mode) for desktop users with a Google Workspace domain. You will be able to interact with multiple tabs at once or ask questions about page content. The optional Live Mode in Gemini for Chrome uses your voice to prompt questions. More details are available from the Google Support article: Use Gemini in Chrome.

The Gemini in Chrome feature can be hidden by right-clicking on the icon and selecting to un-pin. Once you have already started using the feature, any data saved previously cannot be removed. You can manage your Gemini in Chrome preferences at chrome://settings/ai/gemini.

Note: The "Gemini in Chrome" feature uses the page content of the browser tab(s) you’re viewing to provide you with the relevant content. It is not the same as using the Gemini web app. Learn more about the Gemini in Chrome feature.

NotebookLM

Google NotebookLM is an advanced AI-powered research and note-taking assistant designed to enhance academic research and productivity. NotebookLM lets you upload your own sources, such as documents, PDFs, and links, and conversationally interact with them. It is especially helpful for navigating large amounts of information across uploaded materials into interactive summaries and study tools like FAQs, quizzes, mindmaps, and video and audio overviews in over 80 languages. Notebooks can be shared between faculty and students for teaching/tutoring or between staff for onboarding/learning opportunities. Compared to Gemini, the content generated is grounded in your sources.

NotebookLM integrates seamlessly with your SUNY Oswego Google account, ensuring that your data remains secure and private. Whether you're working on a research project, preparing for a presentation, or simply organizing your notes, NotebookLM offers a powerful and easy-to-use solution to streamline your tasks.

Get Started

• Go to notebooklm.google.com.

• Log in with your @oswego.edu email address and password.

• Create a notebook and start uploading content for analysis.