MUNCIE, Ind. – From flashcards to research summaries, Google is pushing to show how artificial intelligence can transform the classroom. Representatives from the tech giant visited Ball State University this week to demonstrate how their latest AI products are designed to support both students and educators.
Lauren Dasiova, Broad Marketing Manager for Google Search, said the goal is to highlight how AI can be used as an accelerator for learning rather than a replacement.
“I think ultimately, right, when the internet first popped up, that was something new that we had to adjust to and think about how we could use it for learning,” Dasiova said. “What we tried to do with a lot of our demos is to showcase the way that Google’s AI products can really accelerate learning from helping summarize information to creating note cards and quizzes for students.”
The visit focused heavily on Gemini, Google’s generative AI platform.
“It’s not just about giving you the answer,” Joelle Crichow, Associate Product Marketing Manager for Gemini, said. “It’s about helping you think through the process, whether that’s breaking down a tough reading, organizing your notes, or even generating practice questions to study smarter.”
The demonstrations also emphasized responsible use of AI. Both Google representatives encouraged students to treat Gemini and similar tools as assistants, not shortcuts, when it comes to assignments and coursework.
Faculty and students at Ball State had the chance to see these features in action during the interactive session. For many, the conversation echoed broader debates happening nationwide about the role of artificial intelligence in higher education.
“With the internet, there were questions about whether it was going to be a distraction or a tool,” she said. “AI is similar in that way. It comes down to how we choose to use it,” Dasiova explained.
Google’s push comes at a time when colleges are balancing innovation with academic integrity. For now, students at Ball State walked away with a clearer picture of how AI could fit into their studies, not as a replacement for learning but as an extra resource along the way.
Contact Jonas Walker with comments at jonas.walker@bsu.edu.
