Google Gemini: Essentials

Duration This course is 2 hours of live instruction, plus 90 minutes of supplemental on-demand, self-study material to provide additional depth, configuration details, and optional advanced features. The self-study, on-demand content is not required for successful participation in the live, instructor-led session. Overview The Google Gemini Essentials course introduces learners to generative AI concepts and Google Gemini as an integrated AI assistant within Google Workspace. Unlike standalone AI chat tools, Gemini is embedded directly into everyday applications such as Gmail, Docs, Sheets, and Slides, enabling users to write, summarize, analyze, and reason without leaving their work context. _ This class focuses on building correct mental models, responsible-use habits, and practical confidence with Gemini’s core capabilities. Learners will see how Gemini works across Workspace, practice the most important everyday use cases, and gain awareness of advanced features and automation options that are explored further in the Mastery class. Prerequisites There are no technical prerequisites for this class. Learners should be comfortable using Google Workspace applications such as Gmail, Docs, Sheets, and Slides, and navigating a web browser. No prior experience with generative AI or Gemini is required. Who This Class Is For This class is designed for learners who are new to Gemini, including: • Professionals who work primarily in Google Workspace • Knowledge workers looking to improve writing, summarization, and analysis • Business users curious about AI but unsure where to start • Educators, trainers, and team leads supporting day-to-day collaboration • Anyone who wants to use AI responsibly within familiar Google tools What You Will Learn By the end of this class, you will be able to: • Understand how generative AI works and how Gemini differs from traditional tools • Explain how Gemini is integrated across Google Workspace • Access and interact with Gemini in multiple Workspace contexts • Write effective prompts for common work tasks • Use Gemini to summarize, rewrite, and generate content • Apply responsible AI principles when working with business information • Identify high-impact, low-risk use cases for Gemini • Understand which advanced capabilities are covered in the Gemini Mastery class COURSE OUTLINE Understanding Generative AI and Gemini What generative AI is and how it has evolved Key differences between traditional AI and Gemini’s context-aware approach What makes Gemini multi-modal and why that matters * Where Gemini fits into everyday knowledge work Common misconceptions about AI assistants Getting Oriented: Gemini in Google Workspace How Gemini appears across Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Slides, and other apps Using Gemini via the Workspace side panel Browser, mobile, and Chrome-based access options * Work Mode versus Web Mode and when to use each * Navigating the Gemini interface and customization basics * Asking for Help: Prompting Gemini Effectively What Gemini can and cannot do inside Workspace Writing clear prompts for drafting, summarizing, and explaining Using follow-up prompts to refine tone, length, and clarity Understanding how context affects Gemini’s responses Common beginner prompting mistakes * Using Gemini for Everyday Work Summarizing emails, documents, and threads Rewriting and expanding text for clarity or tone Drafting emails, documents, and outlines Asking questions about content in your current file When Gemini is helpful versus when manual work is better Responsible and Safe Use of Gemini How Gemini handles data in Google Workspace Privacy and security basics for everyday users Responsible AI principles: accuracy, bias, and human oversight Understanding feature availability, limits, and plan differences * Admin controls and compliance considerations * Putting It All Together and What Comes Next End-to-end example: from messy input to useful output Identifying high-impact Gemini use cases for your role or team Tips for building confidence through small, repeatable wins What comes next: automation, workflows, and Gemini Mastery Additional On-Demand Content This course includes approximately 90 minutes of supplemental on-demand self-study material. Topics covered exclusively in the on-demand content are marked with an asterisk (*). These materials provide additional depth, configuration details, and optional advanced features that are not required for successful participation in the live instructor-led session.