GCS Gemini Certification

Welcome to Module 1. We’re starting here because email is usually the biggest time-sink in our day. In this section, you’ll learn how to use Google Gemini as your personal assistant to cut through the noise. We’re going to show you how to find things faster, get the "too long; didn't read" version of your threads, and get help writing those emails that usually take forever to draft.

Getting Started

Setting Up Your AI Assistant

Activating Your Workspace Connection

Before Gemini can help you with your school work, it needs permission to "talk" to your Gmail and Drive. You only have to do this once.

Go to the Hub: Open a new tab and go to gemini.google.com.
Sign In: Make sure you are using your @gilmerschools.com email and password.
Chat with Gemini: You may see a welcome screen and in order to continue click on "chat with Gemini" in the lower left. (If you don't see this, continue to step 4)
Open Settings: Look at the bottom-left corner of the screen and click on Settings (the gear icon ⚙️).
Find Connected Apps: Click on Connected Apps (Note: This may also appear as "Apps" or "Personal Intelligence" depending on your browser version).
Turn on Google Workspace: * Locate the Google Workspace app in the list.
- Click the toggle switch so it turns Blue (ON).
Confirm Permissions: If a box pops up asking for permission to access your Google Workspace data, click Confirm or Allow.

Lesson 1: Find Your Stuff Faster

Instead of scrolling through your inbox, just ask for what you need.

Stay on the Gemini website.
In the chat box at the bottom, type exactly this:
@Gmail find my emails about [Topic] (Example: @Gmail find my emails about the field trip)
Press Enter. 4. Gemini will list the emails it found. Click the blue link in the chat to open that email directly in a new tab.

Lesson 2: Get the Highlights (Summarizing)

Stop reading long threads. Let Gemini give you the "CliffsNotes" version.

In the same Gemini chat box, type:
@Gmail summarize my most recent emails from [Name or Subject] (Example: @Gmail summarize my most recent emails from Principal Jones)
Press Enter.
Gemini will give you a bulleted list of what was discussed and any tasks mentioned.
Pro Tip: If you want a checklist, type: "What are my to-do items from these emails?"

Lesson 3: Drafting Made Easy

Let the AI do the first draft for you.

In the Gemini chat box, type:
Draft an email to a parent about [Topic]. Make it sound professional and helpful. (Example: Draft an email to a parent about a missing permission slip. Make it sound professional and helpful.)
Press Enter.
Once Gemini writes the draft, look at the bottom of its response for the Copy icon (it looks like two little overlapping squares). Click it.
Go to your Gmail, click Compose, and Paste (Ctrl + V) the text into your email.

Turn in Your Work

Show what you’ve done and get your credit.

Go back to your Gemini tab where you can see one of your searches or summaries.
On your keyboard, press and hold these three keys at the same time: Windows Key + Shift + S.
Your screen will dim. Use your mouse to click and drag a box around the Gemini chat window.
Open the [Module 1 Submission Form].
Click Add File and select your screenshot (it is usually saved in your "Pictures" or "Screenshots" folder, or you can just press Ctrl + V to paste it into the form if allowed).
Hit Submit.

Module 1 Submission Form

Home

Module 2