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This article outlines the features and benefits included in the Google AI Pro for Education add-on compared to standard Google licensing. This add-on is an additional paid feature and not a part of MSU's standard license. As AI features evolve, please refer to the linked sources at the bottom for the most current information.
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Google AI Pro for Education Add-on Integrations
Gmail:
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Gemini integrates with Gmail, Calendar, and Chat to assist with proofreading, summarizing, and scheduling. Use it to review existing emails or draft new ones directly.
Google Docs:
Google Drive:
- Create audio overviews of files stored in Drive (Limit: 40 overviews/day).
- Gemini suggests new folders and organizes files based on your past habits and file similarity.
Google Sheets:
- Utilize the =AI function within cells to generate text, summarize information, categorize data, analyze sentiment, access web search info, and write advanced formulas (Limit: 25,000 uses/month).
- Build and edit entire complex multi-tab spreadsheets using data from Drive or the web (Limit: 500 spreadsheets/month).
- Create presentable Canvas sheets from existing data (Limit: 100 sheets/month).
Google Slides:
- Generate tailored presentations from scratch using simple prompts and data source pointers (Limit: 500 presentations/month).
- Convert presentations into narrated videos complete with AI voiceovers, scripts, synchronized music, and virtual speakers.
Google Vids:
- Generate up to 200 videos per month using text descriptions.
- Generate music clips or 3-minute tracks (Limit: 100 tracks/month).
Google Workspace Studio:
- This feature is already available with the standard education license and does not require the pro add-on, but is considered to be in a ‘promotional period’. In the near future Google will set a usage limit which has yet to be announced. Based on the other features it is likely the Pro add-on will benefit from additional uses or features.
- Automate routine tasks across Google Workspace services (Gmail, Sheets, Drive) and external apps via Gemini.
- Develop custom automated workflows, such as extracting action items from Chat into Docs, sending meeting alerts, and sorting priority emails.
- https://workspace.google.com/studio/#cases
Core Services:
- Access expanded Gemini Notebook functionality, including higher context limits, expanded chat sessions, more linked sources, and extra overviews.
- Protect data with enterprise-grade security and privacy controls across all Gemini models.
- Submit priority prompts (Limit: 25 Pro prompts per 4 hours).
- Leverage a larger context window for input data and system requests.
- Generate deep research reports (Limit: 20/day), create images (Limit: 100/day), and schedule action queue items (Limit: 10 items).
Check Your License
From within Google Gemini’s web portal you can review your license status in the bottom left-hand corner beside your MSU profile picture. If you see ‘Pro’ listed then you have an active Google AI Pro for Education Add-on.
Google Sheets Features
Most instances of Gemini can be accessed in the top right corner of the application. A sidebar which can be minimized will appear and assist with your requests. Some applications will also have new menu options that allow Gemini to seamlessly integrate.
Gemini Sidebar
Using the sidebar in Google Sheets, you can compile new or existing data into a formatted spreadsheet and generate easy-to-read dashboards. The Gemini sidebar can be treated the same as using Gemini on the web and retains your history.
Data sent through the =AI() function is transmitted to cloud processing infrastructure. Ensure that sensitive operational, HR, or financial data complies with your organization's privacy and data retention policies.
Allow or prohibit Gemini from accessing resources
Using the integrated Gemini sidebar, select 'Sources' to define your scope. This allows you to toggle whether Gemini crawls specific files or the web for relevant data, helping to focus your results.
Select specific data sources
Select specific tabs within a worksheet or individual files from Google Drive for Gemini to review. Refining your sources helps narrow the scope to relevant data while maintaining security.
Try AI functions in the cell (=AI)
You can use this feature to help generate complex formulas against the data in your spreadsheet. Summarize and categorize information, analyze sentiment, access additional information from a Google search all from within the Google Sheet. By entering =AI into a cell you will prompt Gemini to work on your behalf.
=AI is dynamic, if data is updated in a referenced location, then the AI cell can be refreshed and will show the new response or will generate a new summary based on the new data that has been made available.
Instant Executive Summaries
Gemini is able to look at a cluster of information and extract important details that can be more easily reported or added to a presentation. Understand the data quickly or prepare for an executive report.
=AI("Write a two-sentence executive summary of the revenue growth trends shown in this data.", B8:E11)
Drafting contextual communications
Here is an example of a personalized and context-aware email that could be sent to alumni based on mock data:
=AI("Write ashort, warm, 3-sentence email thanking this alumni for their generous cumulative donations of $" & E7 & ". Mention their specific major (" & G7 & ") and graduation year (" & C7 & ") to make it feel highly personal. Do not include a subject line.")
This can be generated for every row via drag and drop and would generate a slightly different and personalized message for each recipient.
Quick data analysis & calculations
While standard formulas (like SUM or AVERAGE) are useful, the =AI() function enables sophisticated logical analysis through natural language prompts. This significantly lowers the barrier to entry for complex data tasks. If you are uncomfortable with nested formulas or pivot tables, you can simply ask Gemini questions in plain English—for example, asking it to interpret budget health rather than building complex ‘Index-Match’ calculations. This approach provides immediate insights while eliminating the need to reverse-engineer complicated formulas, manage messy data, or debug syntax errors.
=AI("Determine the financial flight risk level (High Risk, Medium Risk, or Low Risk) for this student. Rules: 'High Risk' if their Remaining Balance is over $10,000 and EFC is under $5,000. 'Medium Risk' if their balance is between $5k-$10k, OR if they are Out-of-State with a balance over $8,000. Otherwise, 'Low Risk'. Remaining Balance: $" & K2 & ", EFC: $" & C2 & ", Residency: " & B2 & ". Return ONLY the exact risk level phrase.")
Real-time market research (web access)
Because the =AI() function can access real-time information from Google Search, you can pull in external context to support internal data without having to leave your spreadsheet. Apply current events, market conditions and review definitions all within the context of your data set.
=AI("What are the current global supply chain trends affecting the pricing of refurbished computer hardware? Is my pricing structure competitive to other big brands?")
Categorization and tagging (for future data)
The AI function excels at categorization regardless if it is numeric or textual. Making use of =AI can help with sorting and filtering based on overall results of a data trend.
=AI("Categorize this customer feedback as Positive, Negative, or Neutral", [Cell Reference])
Explore tools to enhance functionality
Create Visual Displays
Create Canvas
Create interactive, visual representations of your data directly within Google Sheets. You can generate dashboards, Kanban boards, gallery views, or calendars (Limit: 100 per month).
All data is fictional and was randomly generated within Gemini solely for example purposes
Kanban Board example
All data is fictional and was randomly generated within Gemini solely for example purposes
Dark mode gallery example
All data is fictional and was randomly generated within Gemini solely for example purposes
Deep Research
Use ‘Deep Research’ to synthesize multiple sources on complex topics into comprehensive reports. This tool provides detailed responses with citations, making it easy to continue your research. You can integrate this research directly into your existing sheet data or pull from external sources (Limit: 20 per day).
Important Usage Notes
Data Security: Anonymize data before sharing with AI. FERPA, HIPAA, personally identifiable information, and payment data must remain secure.
Accuracy: Always verify AI output, as models may produce incorrect data or hallucinations.
Updates: Ensure formulas are refreshed if the referenced data changes.
Primary Resources
Google AI Pro for Education (from Google's support site)
Google Gemini Education offerings (from Google's support site)
Get Started with Google Workspace with Gemini (from Google's support site)
Contact
Using AI in MSU Courses - Faculty should work with their academic departments regarding the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications in their courses.
Technical support for Google AI Pro for Education - Google has provided helpful support articles, several articles we have linked to in the section above this.
Questions regarding licensing and pricing - Please submit an Email and Google Apps Support ticket