Google plans to require schools to enable student access to its AI tools and Search, as Indian Hill develops its own artificial intelligence lessons.
Google’s Nov. 3 announcement says Gemini, Gemini Notebook, Gemini in Classroom and Google Search will be off for K-12 student accounts until administrators turn them on.
The company says it will provide more details before the controls change. The announcement does not say that student Search access has already been shut off.
Schools seeking to avoid AI entirely would also need to disable Search, as first reported by Chalkbeat. Google education executive Chris Phillips told the publication that AI is integrated into Search.
Indian Hill’s existing AI work
Indian Hill Schools’ parent announcement describes a new kindergarten-through-12th-grade plan for teaching AI concepts at different ages.
Mark Richardson, the district’s director of innovation and technology, wrote that the progression emphasizes critical thinking and responsible use. The district advertised an Oct. 1 parent session on the plan, screen time and AI literacy.
That announcement predates Google’s new controls. It does not establish a district decision about enabling or disabling Google’s services.
Guided Learning expands
Google also announced Guided Learning activities in Classroom. The company says the tool uses questions and explanations to help students work through assigned material, while giving teachers information about their progress.
Google says a separate Search pilot will begin in selected U.S. schools in November. It is intended to guide students through certain homework questions rather than immediately supply answers.
