From Wednesday 14 October, you can access Google Workspace for Education using your Herts account.
It brings together a range of productivity and AI-powered tools, including Gemini (Google's AI assistant) and Gemini Notebook (an AI-powered study and research tool).
Using AI responsibly
AI tools should support your learning, not do the work for you. Always check your assignment brief before using AI for any part of an assessment and make sure your intended use is permitted.
Review AI-generated information carefully, use your own critical thinking and follow the University's guidance on Using AI tools in your studies and assessments. Herts guidance reinforces that a human should review, critique and edit generative AI content and that permitted use in assessment should be explained through the assessment brief.
Gemini
Gemini is Google's AI assistant that can help you learn, create and organise your work. You can ask questions, generate ideas, summarise notes, create revision materials, develop drafts and build study plans.
Gemini also includes Gems, which are custom AI assistants designed for specific tasks such as learning support, career advice or brainstorming, and Canvas, an interactive workspace for developing ideas, creating study resources and refining your work.
Gemini Notebook
Use of Gemini Notebook appropriately can support your study habits. Upload your lecture notes into Gemini Notebook to generate instant summaries including explanatory videos, audio, flash cards, mind maps and more, to create your own study guides.
Accessing Google Workspace
If you use Googe Chrome as your browser
- Open an incognito window. To do this, select the three dots on right hand side of the address bar and select New incognito window or hold CTRL+Shift+N
- Go to gemini.google.com
- Select Sign in
- Enter your Herts username (for example: ab12cde@herts.ac.uk) and password and complete multi-factor authentication
- You will see your initial and EDU in the bottom left-hand corner of the screen
- To access Gemini Notebook, select the cog (Settings) icon above your initial. NotebookLM will open in new incognito window.
If you use a browser other than Google Chrome
- Go to gemini.google.com
- Select Sign in
- Enter your Herts username (for example: ab12cde@herts.ac.uk) and password and complete multi-factor authentication
- You will see your initial and EDU in the bottom left-hand corner of the screen.
- To access Gemini Notebook, select the cog (Settings) icon above your initial. NotebookLM will open in new incognito window.
If you're having technical issues accessing Google Workspace, please contact the Helpdesk.
Help and learning
- Join us on campus or online for an interactive session to introduce you to Google Gemini, and how to use it effectively and ethically as part of your studies.
- In person - Wednesday 14 October 15.30 - 17.30 - Weston Auditorium, de Havilland campus
- Online - Thursday 5 November 10.00 – 12.00
- Online - Wednesday 18 November 14.00 - 16.00
Find out more and book your place: Booking Request: How Google Gemini can help you study smarter – Fill in form.
- Explore the AI section of the Digital Skills unit on the Herts Academic Skills site for help and guidance using Google Workspace effectively and responsibly in your studies.
- If the tools are not working as intended contact helpdesk@herts.ac.uk
- For guidance to use Google Workspace in your studies come and see a Technology Mentor.