Google Introduces ‘Guided Learning’
Today, Google introduced Guided Learning in Gemini, a feature intended as a personal learning assistant rather than a simple answer generator. Guided Learning draws on Google’s LearnLM models and was created collaboratively with educators, neuroscientists, and cognitive scientists.
Guided Learning emphasizes active learning, such as posing open-ended questions, adapting explanations step by step, and offering rich, multimodal content like diagrams, videos, images, and interactive quizzes. It's designed to promote deep understanding, encouraging users to explore the "why" and "how" behind concepts and can be shared via Google Classroom by educators.
All Gemini app users can enable the Guided Learning mode, but interactive features, like quizzes, are currently restricted to students 18+.
Screenshot from Google’s introduction of Guided Learning
Guided Learning vs. Study Mode
About a week ago, OpenAI introduced Study Mode in ChatGPT, which also serves as a personal learning assistant that goes beyond delivering direct answers to guide learners through problems step by step. Its features include Socratic questioning, hints, scaffolded responses to simplify complex topics, personalized support based on the user’s level, and knowledge checks like quizzes with feedback. Google’s Guided Learning thus appears to be a direct challenge to Open AI’s Study Mode
Tom’s Take: Both Study Mode and Guided Learning are generating buzz in the edtech community. From what I’ve seen, teachers have generally reacted positively, noting that Guided Learning and Study Mode may serve as scaffolded tutoring when a teacher isn’t available.
That said, neither Study Mode nor Guided Learning is an “advanced” AI tutor; their assistance is often superficial and unduly agreeable. Yet, in fairness, these tools have only just been released and are bound to become more sophisticated and useful.
Google’s Guided Learning may have an edge over Study Mode in that it is based on LearnLM, a language model developed specifically for education. As such, “teaching” and “tutoring” are part of its DNA. In addition, Guided Learning is integrated into Google Classroom, the popular LM in many K-12 schools. As such, it stands a much better chance of being integrated into classrooms than Study Mode (remember, ChatGPT is often banned at schools).
Yet, teachers should be cautious about pointing their students toward Study Mode or Guided Learning. OpenAI does not protect student privacy and students need to cautioned about divulging personal information. Guided Learning is better in this regard, but that does not mean it will meet all school or district-level data permissions. Speak to school admins and proceed with caution.
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