Just in time for the new school year, Google has introduced a tool called Guided Learning within its Gemini chatbot. Unlike tools that offer instant answers, Guided Learning breaks down complex problems step-by-step to support deeper understanding.
The new feature is part of the AI industry’s broader response to growing concerns that chatbots like ChatGPT may undermine education by bypassing the learning process with quick answers. To learn more about Google’s ambitions, strategy, and how its new Guided Learning tool works, Fast Company spoke with DeepMind COO Lila Ibrahim and Dave Messer, a Google product executive.
[Photo: Google]
Google recognizes that while students may sometimes need to look up facts quickly—a strength of searchbots and chatbots—they also benefit from AI that helps them reason through more complex topics. “Our vision is really to have an AI tutor for every student and a TA for every teacher,” says Dave Messer, a former teacher and now the product manager of Guided Learning. The tool mimics a human tutor by tailoring its approach to each student’s learning style, Messer says.
Similar to OpenAI’s new Study mode in ChatGPT (announced last week), Guided Learning guides students through subjects using a conversational method. Instead of delivering answers outright, it leads users to insights through a series of thoughtful questions. These questions are designed to teach students the “how” and “why” behind a topic, encouraging learning throughout the exchange.
