Lecture Notes: Understanding and Using Google Gemini

Introduction

• Focus on lasting principles, use cases, and tips for Google Gemini.
• Importance of learning tools that provide long-term value despite rapid technological advancement.

Setting Up Google Gemini

Gmail Settings

• Go to Gmail settings under the General Tab.
• Use Command+Control+F to find 'Smart Features'.
• Enable both 'Smart Features' and 'Google Workspace Smart Features'.

Gemini Web App Settings

• Under settings, go to 'Apps'.
• Enable only the Google Workspace and YouTube apps to avoid unnecessary triggers.

Use Cases for Google Gemini

YouTube Video Analysis

1. Share a YouTube video with relevant tips.
2. Use Gemini to extract takeaways and frameworks.
3. Apply learnings to personal work.
   • Example: Applying storytelling frameworks such as TAED (Thoughts, Actions, Emotions, Dialogue) from a video.

Presentation Enhancements

• Use Gemini to receive actionable recommendations on presentations.
• Example: Adjust opening strategy based on Gemini's feedback.

Limitations of Other Workspace Apps

• Agent capabilities in apps like Google Calendar and Keep are limited.
• Preference for manual task management except for voice task creation on mobile.
• Android users can use voice commands to navigate settings.

Choosing Between Chat and Reasoning Models

• Importance of choosing the right model for the task:
  • Chat Models: Used for simple, fast-response tasks. Example: converting Chinese characters.
  • Reasoning Models: Used for complex, nuanced tasks. Example: translating formal business emails.
• Rule of Thumb: Default to Reasoning (Pro) Model; switch to Chat (Flash) Model for simplicity and speed.
• Overview of Models:
  • Chat Models: Flash (Gemini), GPT# (ChatGPT), V models (DeepSeek)
  • Reasoning Models: Pro (Gemini), O# (ChatGPT), R models (DeepSeek)

Advanced Uses of Google Gemini

Interactive Games from Documents

• Turn dense documents into interactive games using the Pro model and canvas feature.
• Gemini's capability to deliver results with minimal prompting compared to competitors.

Unique Features of Google Gemini

• Deep integration within Google Workspace ecosystem.
• Use of Gemini side panel for email replies and professional responses.
• Creation of structured documents and tables from unstructured input in Google Sheets and Docs.
• Use of AI summaries in Google Docs for overview and updates.

Managing Large Data with Google Gemini

• Gemini's large context window allows processing of massive data sets efficiently.

Sensitivity and Limitations

• Google Gemini's sensitivity to certain topics may limit its usability.
• Comparison with other AI models that provide more direct responses.
• Potential impact on user preference due to sensitivity restrictions.

Conclusion

• Emphasis on understanding the tools and their applications over time.
• Encourage exploration of additional resources for enhanced learning.

Additional Resources

• Workspace Academy course for optimizing Google Workspace tools.
• Tutorial links for further learning on AI tools like Claude.