Google is set to roll out its Gemini AI technology to educational institutions, ensuring that students and educators over 18 will enjoy added data protection and privacy. The tech giant has confirmed that data from these accounts will not be used for AI model training or shared externally.
Starting May 23, Google will integrate these additional privacy measures into its Workspace for Education accounts without increasing the cost. However, this service will utilise the older Gemini 1.0 Pro model rather than the more advanced Gemini 1.5 Pro or Flash models, which are known for delivering more accurate responses.
Gemini for Google Workspace will be available in two tiers. The first, Gemini Education, is a more budget-friendly option with a monthly usage cap. The second, Education Premium, provides unlimited access to all Workspace AI tools, along with exclusive features like AI-generated notes and summaries for Google Meet and data loss prevention measures.
Supporting accessibility in education
In related news, Google is also enhancing the accessibility of Chromebooks, which are widely used in educational settings. New features are set to be introduced to aid individuals with blindness or low vision. Over the next few months, the Screen Magnifier on Chromebooks will be updated to track and highlight words as they are read aloud when used in conjunction with the Select to Speak feature. Additional adjustments will include an option to enlarge the cursor and to disable the blinking text cursor, making navigation and reading easier for all users.
These updates underscore Google’s commitment to making educational technology more accessible and secure, catering to the diverse needs of students and educators in the digital age.
