The university recently introduced Gemini for Education, Google’s school-safe generative AI solution.
Artificial intelligence has become a part of everyday life, and colleges across the country are starting to bring the technology into classrooms. Texas State University is among the institutions leading the charge, rolling out AI platforms designed to enhance learning, streamline teaching and prepare students for a rapidly evolving workforce.
The university recently introduced Gemini for Education, Google’s school-safe generative AI solution. In addition, the university adopted NotebookLM, a program that can turn large amounts of class material into PowerPoint presentations, study guides, flash cards and even podcasts.
Finance professor Ivilina Popova said the university’s embrace of AI reflects the reality that technology is increasingly essential in every industry.
“This is the world we live now,” Popova said. “When they look for people to hire, one of the requirements is that these people know how to use AI.”
Popova said the tools have transformed her work. NotebookLM can create presentations in minutes that might otherwise take days, freeing up time she now spends mentoring students and advising clubs.
Students have also noticed the benefits. Luke Parker, a Texas State student, said the platforms make studying more efficient.
“I’d say it’s very convenient,” Parker said. “Instead of having to look for a bunch of things, you can use it. It’s just right there. You can be more efficient with your time and get more studying done. It’s a big deal if you can use it right.”
Texas State officials said the AI platforms are designed to personalize learning and foster creativity. Students can use Gemini for Education to brainstorm essay ideas, develop research questions for science projects, or even troubleshoot coding assignments. Faculty can leverage it to generate rubrics, differentiate instructional materials, summarize class discussions and reduce administrative workload, freeing up time for more interactive teaching.
All interactions with Gemini for Education are managed within the university’s secure Google Workspace for Education environment. Google does not use these conversations to train its models, and the university retains administrative control over all data, officials said.
Despite the advantages, educators warn that AI comes with challenges. Popova said she has noticed fewer students attending office hours and seeking direct help, and plagiarism has become more difficult to monitor as AI-generated work becomes more sophisticated.
Still, she said teaching responsible use is the only way to keep up because the technology isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
