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Google Gemini

Overview

Google Gemini is a generative AI tool available on the web that supports faculty in working with text-based information through conversational prompts. Gemini can be used to draft, review, summarize, and clarify instructional materials, as well as to support planning and feedback workflows. Additional capabilities include uploading documents for context and customizing behavior through structured instructions (such as Gems) to support specific, bounded teaching and learning tasks.

How Gemini Uses Data at VCU

Google Gemini is an AI tool that can understand and generate human-like text. It’s designed to help with tasks such as writing, researching, and creating content.

At VCU, Gemini is available through a licensed institutional environment approved for Category 2 data. This means that:

  • Prompts and responses are not available to other customers
  • Prompts and responses are not used to train or improve third-party AI products or services
  • Prompts and responses are not used to train or improve Google AI models

Faculty remain responsible for exercising discretion and should avoid entering personal, sensitive, or confidential information not appropriate for instructional tools.

What Gemini Does Well

Gemini is particularly effective at supporting text-based teaching and learning workflows when clear instructions and source materials are provided.

  • Drafting and revising instructional content
     Supports drafting syllabus language, assignment instructions, discussion prompts, and other course materials that instructors can review and edit.
  • Summarizing and organizing information
     Helps condense long documents, identify key points, and organize information for clarity and planning.
  • Answering questions based on provided materials
     Can respond to questions using uploaded documents or pasted text, making it useful for clarifying policies or expectations when properly constrained.
  • Supporting planning and preparation tasks
     Assists with brainstorming, outlining, and reviewing ideas for lessons, activities, or feedback workflows.
  • Customizing behavior through instructions (Gems)
     Allows instructors to define clear boundaries and expectations so the tool behaves consistently for a specific task or use case.
  • Dictation and voice input for drafting prompts and instructions
     Supports voice-based input, allowing instructors to speak prompts or instructions instead of typing—useful for rapid drafting, accessibility, or hands-free work.

What Is a Gem?

A Gem is a persistent, custom version of Gemini tailored to your specific needs. By defining rules and boundaries, you create a "specialist" that follows the instructions, tone, goals, and uploaded materials you provide, saving you from repeating instructions in every new chat.

When to Use a Gem

Use a Gem when you need consistency and deep context. It is ideal for:

  • Ongoing Projects: Grounding Gemini in specific documents like a 2026 project roadmap or a brand style guide.
  • Specialized Roles: Acting as a consistent "Writing Coach," "Code Reviewer," or "Lesson Planner."
  • Complex Workflows: Handling multi-step tasks that require the same set of constraints every time.
  • Note: For quick, one-off questions, a regular Gemini chat may be sufficient.

How to Create a Gem

  1. Launch: Select Gem Manager in the Gemini sidebar and click New Gem.
  2. Instruct: Write how you want the Gem to behave.
    Tip: Type a rough idea and click the Magic Wand to let Gemini expand it into professional instructions.
  3. Knowledge: Upload relevant files (up to 10) like syllabi, spreadsheets, or manuals to give your Gem "expert" knowledge.
  4. Save & Reuse: Once saved, the Gem stays in your sidebar. Every time you click it, a fresh conversation starts with those rules already in place.

Example: Course Syllabus Helper (Canvas)

Because Gemini Gems are tied to individual user accounts, this example does not launch a live Gem. Instead, it demonstrates how a Gem can be intentionally designed, constrained, and documented for instructional use.

This Canvas page provides an example of a student-facing Gemini Gem designed to answer questions using a course syllabus only. Faculty can review the instructions, boundaries, and disclaimer language, then adapt the model for their own courses by creating a Gem in Gemini and uploading their own syllabus.

View the Course Syllabus Helper example

Important Note About Gems

Gems are personal to each user’s account and are not directly shareable with others. While instructions or workflows can be shared, each user must create their own Gem using those instructions. This ensures appropriate access, privacy, and control over uploaded materials.

What Is Gemini Canvas?

Gemini Canvas is a built-in, side-by-side editing workspace that appears when you ask Gemini to generate or revise longer content, such as syllabi, assignments, lesson plans, or written feedback. Canvas displays your draft alongside Gemini’s editing tools, making it easier to review and refine content section by section.

How to Use Gemini Canvas

When Canvas opens, you can:

  • Highlight specific text and ask Gemini to rewrite, clarify, shorten, or adjust tone
  • Add examples or explanations to selected sections
  • Make targeted revisions without regenerating the entire document

Canvas is best used for drafting and revision. Instructors should review all content for accuracy, alignment, and appropriateness before use.

Getting Started

  1. Navigate to gemini.google.com and sign in with your VCU Google account.
  2. Start a new chat or create a Gem for a specific instructional task.
  3. Provide clear instructions and upload relevant documents (such as a syllabus, assignment, or rubric).
  4. Treat the initial response as a draft, not a final product.
  5. Refine your request by adding context, constraints, or examples.

Common Faculty Uses

Faculty may use Gemini to support tasks such as:

  • Revising syllabi or course materials for clarity and organization
  • Drafting or refining assignment instructions or prompts
  • Preparing feedback comments aligned to rubrics
  • Brainstorming lesson ideas or instructional approaches
  • Reviewing written materials for tone, clarity, or accessibility

Gemini is most effective when used as a support tool, with instructors maintaining full review and decision-making authority.

Getting the Most Out of Gemini

  • Provide strong context, including audience, goals, and constraints
  • Use follow-up questions to refine or clarify responses
  • Upload source documents to keep responses grounded in course materials
  • Review all outputs for accuracy and alignment before use

Understanding Gemini’s Limits

Gemini is a support tool and is not intended to replace instructor judgment or decision-making.
Gemini should not be used to:

  • Assign grades, scores, or final evaluations
  • Make academic or policy decisions
  • Interpret instructor intent or course policies beyond what is provided
  • Replace direct communication between instructors and students

All AI-generated content should be reviewed and approved by the instructor before use.

Access and Availability

Gemini is available to VCU faculty through the web and requires signing in with a VCU Google account.

  • Gemini is accessed at gemini.google.com
  • Gemini is not embedded within Canvas
  • Features such as Gems are tied to individual user accounts

Availability and features may change over time as the tool evolves.

Responsible AI Use

Gemini should be used to support teaching and learning, not replace professional judgment or instructional responsibility. Faculty are encouraged to follow VCU guidance when using generative AI tools.
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