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Description
Gemini is an interface to a multimodal LLM (handling text, audio, images and more) available in the UCO Google Workspace. Here are answers to common questions about Google Gemini.
What is Google Gemini?
Gemini Chat is an AI-powered conversational assistant deployed as a standalone chat and integrated into Google Workspace environments. It helps users draft content, analyze data, summarize documents, generate images and more through natural language prompts.
What are the AI usage guidelines?
Please read the AI Acceptable Use Standard for information about how and when AI may be used.
How do I access Gemini Chat?
On the web at gemini.google.com
How do I interact with Gemini? (Input Methods)
Step 1: Make Sure You Have Access
Sign in with your UCO account—Gemini won't appear if you're using an unsupported email like Gmail or Yahoo.
Step 2: Open a Supported App
Open Gemini Chat or launch a Google Workspace app like Drive, Docs, Sheets, or Slides, which are accessible to all faculty, staff, and students. The Gmail feature is exclusive to students. Within any of these apps, you can access Gemini by clicking the "Ask Gemini" button located in the upper right-hand corner.
Step 3: Start Interacting
- Text Prompt: Type your request directly into the chat box. This is the most common method.
- Voice Input: Tap the microphone icon and speak your prompt.
- Image Upload: Use the image picker icon to upload photos and ask questions about them.
- File Upload: Upload various document types (PDFs, text files, spreadsheets) for summarization, analysis, or question-answering.
How do I get the best results from Gemini? (Prompting Tips)
- Be Specific: The more detail you provide, the better. Instead of "Write an email," try "Write a professional email to my team about the upcoming project deadline, highlighting the new responsibilities for John and Sarah."
- Provide Context: Give Gemini background information it might need. If you're summarizing a document, upload the document.
- Define the Output: Specify the format, tone, length, and style you want (e.g., "Write a 3-paragraph casual blog post," "Create a bulleted list," "Explain this concept like I'm five years old").
- Use Examples: If you have a specific style in mind, provide an example.
- Iterate and Refine: Don't be afraid to ask follow-up questions or modify Gemini's response. You can often ask it to "Make it shorter," "Explain it more simply," or "Add a call to action."
- Use the "Double-Check" Feature: Gemini often provides a "Double-check" button to verify its factual claims against Google Search results.
What do I do if AI declines to work on my prompt?
If AI declines to work on a prompt it could be for multiple reasons (safety, ethical, legal, etc.) but the user should be given a reason. The user should revise that prompt, providing additional context.
What are the daily usage limits (standard users)?
Free tiers or even paid tiers might have daily or monthly usage limits for certain features (e.g., image generation, large context window processing).
You'll typically be notified if you're approaching a limit.
The standard Gemini tier is limited to approximately 15-20 complex queries per day.
What do I do if I have reached my daily usage limit?
Once the daily limit is reached, the user must wait until the next day for the daily limit to reset. During the interim period, Gemini will be unavailable.
An upgraded Gemini tier with access to the 2.5 Pro model and unlimited daily queries with priority is available for power users and follows a cost recovery model. Please consult your department leadership if you are interested.
What about privacy and my data?
School Accounts (with Data Protection): For Google Workspace users, Google emphasizes that your data shared with Gemini is not used to train Gemini models, not reviewed by humans (unless you explicitly allow it for feedback), and not used for ads targeting. A shield icon often indicates data protection is active.
Does Gemini filter content?
Gemini has built-in safety features to prevent the generation of harmful or inappropriate content.
What is Gemini in education?
In academic settings, Gemini helps with:
- ✍️ Drafting essays, reports, and presentations
- 📚 Summarizing articles and textbooks
- 🔍 Organizing research and generating citations
- 🧠 Creating study guides and quizzes
- 📊 Analyzing lab data and visualizing results
How does Gemini support research?
Gemini can:
- Help brainstorm topics and keywords
- Summarize academic papers
- Organize sources and generate citations
- Assist with literature reviews and data analysis
It's best used alongside academic databases for thorough research.
What are some academic use cases?
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Role
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How Gemini Helps
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Students
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Draft essays, prep for exams, organize assignments
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Faculty
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Plan lessons, create quizzes, personalize learning
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Admins
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Streamline emails, manage schedules, draft documents
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What are the AI services for power users?
- Unlimited daily queries with priority
- Advanced reasoning and deep-thinking models
- Large dataset access
What are common limitations of Google Gemini?
Internet Dependency
Gemini relies heavily on a stable internet connection.
Poor connectivity can lead to lag, incomplete responses, or reduced functionality.
Query Limits
UCO's standard version of Gemini is limited to approximately 15 complex queries per day. When the daily limit is reached, the user must wait until the following day for the daily limit to reset. Gemini Pro subscriptions are available for power users and follow a cost recovery model. Please consult your department leadership if you are interested.
Image Generation Restrictions
Users without a Gemini license may be limited to one image per day.
No refinements or tweaks allowed after the first generation.
Quality of Output
AI-generated content may be generic, inaccurate, or lack nuance.
Always review and edit before using it in professional or academic settings.
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