Google has introduced a new feature called Guided Learning within its chatbot Gemini, aimed at step-by-step student education. This function competes with the recently launched ChatGPT Study by OpenAI. This news comes from Fast Company.

Unlike traditional chatbots that provide instant responses, Guided Learning breaks down complex inquiries into simpler parts to enhance material understanding. Instead of giving direct responses, the system guides users toward understanding through a series of thoughtful questions. This tool addresses concerns in the AI industry about chatbots potentially undermining education by offering quick answers without a learning process.

Students can reach out to the AI with questions at any time. In response, Guided Learning typically provides contextual hints that encourage independent answer-seeking, often reformulating the question rather than solving it immediately. If a student strays from the topic, the AI acknowledges their interests but gently steers them back to the main subject.

While most responses from Guided Learning are text-based, some queries generate illustrations and suggest related YouTube videos from educational experts. Students can upload their notes or course outlines, allowing the tool to tailor interactions to the studied material.

The launch of Guided Learning is part of Google’s $1 billion educational initiative over three years focused on AI in education. College students aged 18 and over in the U.S., Japan, Indonesia, Korea, and Brazil will receive free 12-month access to the Google AI Pro plan.

The Google AI for Education Accelerator program will provide free AI training, Google Career certificates, and advanced AI tools to college students nationwide. More than 100 universities representing millions of students have already signed up for the program.