---
# System prepended metadata

title: Learn Google Gemini  (Harvard-specific Version)
tags: [Clare]

---

# Learn Google Gemini - Harvard wants you to
_For Harvard students & researchers_

[TOC]


![alt text](https://files.slack.com/files-pri/T0HTW3H0V-F09G50XF1QU/gemini.png?pub_secret=e69180551b)


## 1) What is Gemini? 

- **Origin.** Google DeepMind announced the **Gemini 1.0** multimodal model in **Dec 2023** (Ultra / Pro / Nano).  
- **Brand.** Google’s chatbot **Bard** was rebranded to **Gemini** in **Feb 2024**; Gemini now ships across Google products and Workspace.  
- **Today.** Gemini (and newer variants) power features across Chrome, Android/iOS, and Google Workspace (Gmail, Docs, Drive, Slides, etc.).

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## 2) Core capabilities & where to use them

| Area | What Gemini can do | Where to try |
|---|---|---|
| **Chat & Reasoning** | General Q&A, planning, brainstorming, structured outputs (tables, JSON), code & math assistance | **gemini.google.com** (web) or **Gemini** app (iOS/Android) |
| **Workspace Assist** | Draft/translate emails, summarize threads, rewrite docs, create Slides, analyze Sheets, summarize **Drive folders** | Gemini side panel in **Gmail/Docs/Sheets/Slides/Drive** |
| **Chrome Integration** | Ask Gemini about the current page, synthesize across open tabs | Chrome (U.S., desktop, English), Gemini button / Omnibox “AI mode” |
| **Research Companion** | **NotebookLM**: ground chat on your PDFs, Docs, URLs; get briefings, FAQs, audio overviews, *Discover* sources | **notebooklm.google** |
| **Coding / Prototyping** | **Colab** quickstarts & Gemini API notebooks; Gen AI SDK | **Google Colab** quickstarts; **Vertex AI** or **Developer API** |
| **Education tools** | Gemini for Education (free app), Gemini in Classroom, Canvas, Live, Guided Learning mode | edu.google.com + Gemini app |

> ⚠️ Verify model limits & data handling before using with sensitive data.

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## 3) Harvard context: access & responsible use

- **Harvard Google Workspace**: Your Harvard Google account includes Workspace tools **with Gemini access** (subject to role/entitlement).  
- **HUIT guidance**: Review Harvard **Generative AI Guidelines** (confidential data, policy alignment, approved tools).  
- **FAS/Bok Center note**: For many courses, **Gemini is the primary AI service** available to students; instructors can plan around it.  

**Links (Harvard):**
- Harvard Google Workspace overview → https://www.huit.harvard.edu/google-workspace  
- Generative AI Guidelines (HUIT) → https://www.huit.harvard.edu/ai/guidelines  
- Getting started with HUIT-supported AI (Bok Center) → https://bokcenter.harvard.edu/getting-started-huit-supported-ai-tools  
- (Developers) HUIT Gemini API (Harvard API Portal) → https://portal.apis.huit.harvard.edu/docs/ais-gemini-llm/1/overview

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## 4) Learn with Gemini across Harvard’s Google tools

- **Gmail**: “Summarize this thread”, “Draft a reply in a formal tone that confirms X and asks Y.”  
- **Docs**: “Rewrite for concision at graduate academic style; preserve references.”  
- **Drive**: “Summarize this folder” (reports + slides + PDFs) to get an overview and action items.  
- **Slides**: “Create a 6-slide outline + speaker notes on [topic], with 1 figure per slide placeholder.”  
- **Sheets**: “Explain this model fit; add a residual analysis with formulas in new columns.”  
- **Meet**: Generate meeting notes & action items (where enabled).  
- **Chrome**: While reading a paper, open Gemini in Chrome → “Extract contributions, limitations, and 3 follow-ups.”

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## 5) NotebookLM (for literature & project dossiers)

**Why use it:** Ground chat on your **own sources** (PDFs, Docs, URLs, YouTube). Get **briefing docs, FAQs, outlines, audio overviews**, and—in newer updates—**Discover** suggested sources to add.

**Starter workflow**
1. Go to **notebooklm.google** → create a notebook for your project/course.  
2. Add 3–10 sources (papers, notes, slides).  
3. Ask: “Produce a briefing with background, methods, datasets, and open questions.”  
4. Use **Audio Overview** to rehearse concepts; export **FAQs** into your notes.  
5. Keep sources updated; re-generate briefings before deadlines.

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## 6) Colab + Gemini API (quick start)

- Open this Colab quickstart: *“Getting started with Gemini models”* (text & multimodal prompting, token counts, safety).  
- Typical snippet (Developer API):
  1) `pip install -U google-generativeai`  
  2) Configure API key (Harvard devs can use **HUIT Gemini API** keys via the Harvard API Portal).  
  3) Call `GenerativeModel("gemini-2.0" …)`; stream responses; add image/video inputs as needed.

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## 7) Prompt patterns for students & researchers

- **Paper triage**: “Given [abstract/full text], return: (i) research questions, (ii) method sketch, (iii) equation list, (iv) caveats, (v) 2 reproducible baselines.”  
- **Math derivation**: “Derive [equation] from [assumptions]; show steps; state approximations & error bounds.”  
- **Code**: “Translate this MATLAB script to Python (NumPy/SciPy); include tests and a timing benchmark.”  
- **Writing**: “Revise for clarity & cohesion at RSC style; keep citations; output in markdown.”  
- **Planning**: “Create a 4-week study plan for [course], with daily tasks and spaced-repetition prompts.”  

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## 8) Case studies & examples (skim & borrow ideas)

- **Higher-ed & K-12**: Explore Google for Education **customer stories** and **Gemini in Education** spotlights.  
- **Workspace**: Browse **Workspace Customer Stories** (productivity, drafting, analytics) and look for examples relevant to research groups.

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## 9) Feature notes & limits (as of this term)

- Availability, usage limits, and specific features vary by **account type** (consumer, Harvard Workspace, Education editions) and **country/age**.  
- **Data handling**: For coursework or research data, follow **Harvard policies**. When in doubt, avoid uploading sensitive content.  
- Keep an eye on **new modes** (e.g., Guided Learning, Live, Canvas) and **Chrome** integrations that roll out over time.

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## 10) Video Tutorials: Learn Gemini in Action 🎥

Here are some quick tutorials to get you started with Gemini:

### 🔹 Gemini for Education Overview
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Uy6LcpyGj7w?si=4LTsR69J-M1WOub4" title="Gemini for Education Overview" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>

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### 🔹 Using Gemini in Google Workspace
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UG0DP6nVnrc?si=hkJtiBhPZo2W4bxg" title="Gemini in Workspace Tutorial" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>

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### 🔹 NotebookLM: Organize Your Sources
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/snrvP_TZjvw?si=uMJgrApfpOcTidxy" title="NotebookLM Tutorial" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>

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## Quick links

- Gemini (web): https://gemini.google.com  
- NotebookLM: https://notebooklm.google  
- Workspace prompt guide: https://workspace.google.com/learning/content/gemini-prompt-guide  
- Colab quickstart (Gemini): https://colab.research.google.com/github/google-gemini/cookbook/blob/main/quickstarts/Get_started.ipynb