UW-Madison Google Workspace - Getting Started with Gemini Chat

Introduction to Gemini

Google Gemini is a large language model that is designed to engage in informative and comprehensive interactions and answer a wide range of questions and prompts. With access to a massive and varied dataset, Gemini can provide detailed explanations, generate creative text, and even assist with tasks like writing emails or code. Gemini’s ability to understand and respond to natural language makes it a versatile tool.

Eligibility

Current UW-Madison faculty, staff, and students. Individuals under 18 will have a limited experience in Gemini.

Log in 

Log in to https://gemini.google.com/app using your NetID credentials. If you are prompted to enter an email address upon login, please enter your netid@wisc.edu address. This will redirect you to the NetID login page.

Gemini chat features and usage limits

UW-Madison Google Workspace accounts have access to the free version of Gemini Chat. Premium licenses are not available at this time. Open a support ticket to submit a feature request.

Access and usage limits are subject to change without notice.  

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Model Access

Creative Tools

Advanced Tasks

Context & Files

Source: Google Workspace for Education Fundamental Features and Limits 

Keep in mind:

• Dynamic Throttling: During peak hours (high global traffic), Google may temporarily lower these limits to ensure the system stays stable. You’ll usually see a "usage is high" notice if this happens.

• Silent Downgrade: If you hit your limit on the Thinking or Pro models, the app will automatically switch you to the Fast (Flash) model so you can keep chatting without interruption.

Quick Demo

Tips for interacting with the demo slides using the menu bar above:

• Use the arrows to navigate slides.
• Click the slide number to view the outline.
• Click the three-dot icon for more options.

Use cases

Gemini chat can be used to:

• Provide personalized explanations, examples, and practice problems, ensuring that each student receives the support they need.
• Help students with research by providing summaries of articles, identify relevant sources, and even generate citations.
• Assist with language learning by providing translations, explanations of grammar rules, and opportunities for practice.
• View additional use cases. 

Managing chats

Google now offers Google Workspace for Education accounts the option to delete Gemini chats and create temporary chats. These features are currently available for the Gemini web app and desktop app. It is not available in the Gemini mobile app. Learn more about managing Gemini chats and creating temporary chats. 

• Retention period: 36 months 
• Recovery: Deleted and temporary chats are not recoverable. 

Delete Gemini chats

There are two ways to delete your Gemini chats:

1. From the side panel.
2. Within the chat window. 

If you don't immediately see a list of your chats, click on the colorful diamond  in the top left corner of the window to expand the side panel. 

1. Side panel: Hover over a chat thread and click on the three dots to expand the options. Select Delete.

2. Chat window: Locate the three dots towards the top right corner of the chat window. Click on the three dots to expand the options. Select Delete.

Start a temporary Gemini chat

1. On the Gemini web app landing page, click the dashed circle with a pencil icon located in the top right corner of the page.

2. Start interacting with the temporary chat. 

3. To exit out of the chat, click on the New chat option in the side panel. Clicking this option will cause the temporary chat to disappear. It is irrecoverable. 

Resources: 

• UW-Madison AI guidance and resources
• UW-Madison Google Workspace - Terms of Service/Use and Privacy Policy
• Google Gemini Apps - FAQ
• Google for Education - Advancing education with AI