Google Gemini

Overview

Designed to assist and collaborate with you on a variety of tasks, Google Gemini is a helpful, creative tool powered by Google's artificial intelligence systems. Gemini is available to all students, faculty, and staff. Refer to the Google Workspace Storage Policy for acceptable use with University data classifications.

To receive the data protections of Google Workspace for Education, be sure that you're logged in to Pepperdine's Google provide services. Log in to your Pepperdine Google Account first (e.g., visit http://email.pepperdine.edu), then visit gemini.google.com

Fac/Staff Training

Video: Gemini Essentials (36 minutes. Pepperdine login required.)

Video: Gemini Deep Research (26 minutes. Pepperdine login required.)

Video: Gemini Workspace Integrations (30 minutes. Pepperdine login required.)

Learning Resources

Getting started with Google Gemini couldn't be easier. Google has provided the following general resources:

Self-Paced Certificate: Getting Started with Google AI in Higher Education
Self-Paced Certificate: Generative AI for Educators
Self-Help Guides: Gemini Apps Help

CRAFT Prompting Framework

There are many frameworks that can help you approach AI prompt writing (e.g., CORE, CREATE, PARTS, etc.). One option to consider is the C.R.A.F.T. Framework:

C = Context. What is the need, goal, situation, or problem you are trying to solve?
R = Role. What perspective or expertise should the AI apply?
A = Action. What outcomes or outputs are you seeking?
F = Format. What presentation or format will the output take (report, summary, article, etc.)?
T = Target or Tone. Who is the intended audience? What tone should the output have (e.g., casual, professional, academic, etc.)?

Example CRAFT Prompt:

Context: I work at a small, private Christian University and we are working on rolling out Zoom AI Companion for meeting summaries for all staff, faculty, and students in the next 6 months. We need to proactively address questions and concerns from all groups to ensure a smooth adoption process.
Role: You are an experienced Communications and Training Specialist who excels at creating clear, accessible, and empathetic support documentation for new technology rollouts in a higher education setting.
Action: Generate a comprehensive Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document about the introduction of Zoom AI Companion at the university. The FAQ should be designed to proactively answer questions, alleviate concerns, and provide clear guidance on both the "how-to" and the "why" of using the Zoom AI Companion as a notetaking service.
Format: Structure the output as a document with three main sections: Faculty, Staff, and Students. Create subsections for different categories of questions. For each item, provide a clear 'Question' and a concise 'Answer'.
Target/Tone: The target audience is the entire university community, which is a mix of expert and novice users of generative AI technologies. The tone should be helpful, reassuring, and professional. Use simple, non-technical language wherever possible. The answers should align with the values of a Christian university, emphasizing principles like academic integrity, stewardship of resources, and respectful collaboration.

The above framework was adapted by Pepperdine IT from the CRAFT method described by Brian Albert of Lawton Solutions. See Lawton's "How to AI."

Other prompting resources:

Gemini Versions: Core Gemini AI and Gemini AI Pro for Education

Most University faculty and staff will not need a Gemini AI Pro for Education license (formerly known as Gemini Premium). The core Google Gemini for Education service offers access to the Gemini app, creating Gems, generating content, summarizing information, and much more. The optional, paid add-on Gemini AI Pro for Education license (currently $24/month*) provides access to additional AI models in the Gemini app, expanded limits on the number of reports or outputs Gemini and NotebookLM will produce, and deep integrations within individual Google Workspace apps (Pepperdine Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Meet, etc.). As good stewards of University resources, employees should consider carefully whether the added expense provides adequate academic and business value to their school or department. If interested in Gemini AI Pro for Education license, faculty and staff should consult with their area supervisor and/or budget manager. If approved, faculty/staff may submit a Gemini AI Pro request.

Students are not eligible for Gemini AI Pro for Education.

Compare the Core Gemini AI with Gemini AI Pro for Education

**Table of Gemini AI Feature Comparisons**
Feature	Core Gemini AI for Education	Gemini AI Pro for Education
Availability	All Faculty, Staff, and Students	Faculty & Staff only, requires a monthly fee
Cost	Included	Paid add-on ($24/month*)
Models	Multiple Gemini models	Latest models, plus additional models
Functionality	Deep Research, Gems, Text to Image, Guided Learning	All Gemini App features plus advanced capabilities and expanded outputs (more reports, images, etc.)
Integration	Standalone app window	Integration into Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, Forms, Drive, Gmail, etc.
Special Features	NotebookLM, Google Vids	Premium features in NotebookLM and Google Vids; Google Meet can take notes, create text-to-video prompts, connect to GitHub, and create Scheduled Actions.

*Pricing as of Fall 2025. Subject to change by Google.

Learn more about Gemini Education Features and Limits and NotebookLM Features and Limits.