Meet Gemini: Google’s Answer to Generative AI
Gemini is designed to understand and generate human language in a comprehensive and nuanced way. This allows it to engage in conversations, translate languages, write different kinds of creative content, and answer your questions in an informative way. We’re glad to announce that Gemini is now available to all VCU Faculty, Staff, and Students at https://gemini.google.com.
Gemini protects your data
VCU data is kept in a secured environment with data protection enabled ensuring data isn’t used or human-reviewed to train any AI models. Gemini is approved for use with Cat II data. Gemini for Workspace is considered a Core Service covered under Google Workspace for Education Terms of Service. For help determining data category, visit: VCU IT Governance – VCU Data Classification Tool.
Examples and How to use Gemini
Setting the scene
When developing your questions or requests for Gemini, you’ll want to make sure your prompt is specific yet concise for the most effective response. Google suggests that you include at least 2 to 3 of the following in your prompt:
- Persona
- Task
- Context
- Format
Based on the color-coding above, some sufficiently-formed prompts may look like:
- You are a program manager. Draft an executive summary email to the senior director based on (relevant program details). Show results in bullet points.
- In a professional tone, draft an email confirming I will be at the meeting. Ask if we can adjust the agenda to give 15 minutes to [urgent topics].
Be natural
Gemini is conversational, so you may make an initial request like this:
- Generate an example logo in a minimalist style for my business club.
But you remember that you’ll need a club name and description, so you reply in the same conversation:
- Write a description and 10 potential names for the club to go with this logo.
Try Gemini in any context
A non-exhaustive list of things Gemini can help with includes:
- Writing and rewording
- Suggestions and ideas
- Coding
- Image generation
- Planning
- Summarization
- Translations
- Learning
No AI is perfect
Generative AI is continuously improving, but it may make mistakes in its results. Remember to always double-check the results of any generative AI before using them.
Stay informed
For more information about Gemini and AI at VCU, visit:
- What Gemini Apps can do and other frequently asked questions
- Generative AI – Office of the CIO – Virginia Commonwealth University
For questions about Google Workspace, visit https://collaborate.vcu.edu or email Collaboration Services at [email protected].
Categories Google Feature Updates and Changes, Google Workspace News, Other Google Feature News