Getting Started with Google Gemini

This knowledge base article provides step-by-step instructions for logging in and starting a chat with one of the approved Generative AI tools, Google Gemini. I

Overview

This knowledge base article provides step-by-step instructions for logging in and starting a chat with one of the approved Generative AI tools, Google Gemini. If you are using UCO information/data, you must ensure that you are accessing either Gemini or Copilot using your UCO account. 

Instructions

Access Gemini

1. Visit the Gemini login page at gemini.google.com and click Sign In from the top right corner of the screen.
   
    
2. Enter your UCO email address and click Next
   
    
3. You will be redirected to a UCO login screen. Enter your UCO email address and password then click Login. 
   
   You may be prompted for multi-factor authentication (MFA), through Duo Mobile. Approve the login request on your mobile device to continue.
    
4. Once you've successfully logged in, you'll be directed to the main Gemini interface. You're now ready to start your conversation! 
    

Start a Chat

1. Locate the text input box, usually at the bottom of the screen. It might say something like "Enter a prompt here" or "Message Gemini..."

2. Type your question or request into the text box.
   
   For example, you could ask:
   "How do I get organized for the start of the semester?"
   "Help me draft an email to my professor asking for an extension."
   "Summarize the key points of this document."

3. Press the Enter key on your keyboard or click the send icon 

4. Gemini will process your request and provide a response in the chat window. You can continue the conversation by typing new messages in the same text box.

5. Start a new chat conversation by clicking the new chat icon or continue a previous chat by selecting it from the menu list. Pinned chats will stay at the top of the recent chats menu for quick access. 
   

6. Gemini has additional options for enhancing your prompts and engaging with the chat experience: 
   

   • a) Upload a variety of documents to provide context to your prompts

   • b) Engage with your course material using Guided Learning. This tool encourages participation through probing and open-ended questions that spark a discussion and provide an opportunity to dive deeper into a subject instead of just getting answers. 

   • c) Take a deep-dive into a specific topic of research with in-context resource links using the Deep-Research feature.

   • d) Co-create documents, HTML files, apps and more using the Canvas tool.

Additional Information

Best Practices: Writing Effective Prompts

The quality of Gemini's output depends directly on the quality of your input. To get the best results, follow these prompting best practices:

• Be Specific & Provide Context: Vague prompts yield generic answers. Include details, constraints, and background information.

  • Weak Prompt: Tell me about the heart.

  • Strong Prompt: Act as a UCO anatomy tutor. Explain the flow of blood through the four chambers of the human heart to a first-year nursing student. Please use a numbered list.

• Define a Role or Persona: Tell Gemini who it should be. This helps set the tone, style, and expertise level of the response.

  • Act as a career counselor...

  • You are a friendly librarian...

  • Explain this as if you were speaking to a 5th grader...

• Specify the Format: Ask for the output you want.

  • Provide the answer in a table.

  • Write a professional email.

  • Summarize this in three bullet points.

• Iterate and Refine: Your first prompt may not be perfect. Use the conversation history to refine your request, ask follow-up questions, and guide Gemini toward the desired outcome.

Important Considerations for the UCO Community

Using AI in an academic setting requires careful and ethical consideration.

• Academic Integrity: Gemini should be used as a tool to assist, not as a replacement for your own critical thinking and original work. Always check with your instructor about their specific policies regarding AI use in their course before using any Generative AI for assignments. 

• Privacy and Confidential Data: DO NOT enter any sensitive or confidential information into Gemini. This includes Personally Identifiable Information (PII) like your UCO ID number (UCO_ID), Social Security Number, grades, or any data protected by FERPA. Treat Gemini as a public forum.

• Accuracy and Bias: AI models can make mistakes, present inaccurate information (a phenomenon known as "hallucination"), or reflect existing societal biases. Always critically evaluate and fact-check the information Gemini provides using reliable academic sources from the UCO Max Chambers Library or other scholarly databases. You are responsible for the accuracy of your work.

Where to Go for Help

• For technical issues with your UCO account, contact the UCO Service Desk.

• For general help with Gemini's features, refer to the official Google Gemini FAQ

Resources

• Gemini for Google Workspace (Google Cloud Skills Boost)

• Generative AI Training and Help (Google Workspace Learning Center

• Use Gemini Apps: Google Help Center

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