Florida State University (FSU) recently hosted Google for a full day of hands-on training, giving students, faculty, and staff the chance to interact directly with the company’s latest generative AI platforms. The event, called the Google Gemini Pop-up, took place on Landis Green and featured demonstrations of the AI assistant Gemini and research software NotebookLM.
Participants explored how Gemini could be used for writing, research, coding, and more in a secure cloud-based environment. FSU Chief Information Officer Jonathan Fozard said, “This was a huge day for Florida State University. We partnered with Google to showcase the capabilities our students, faculty and staff now have across the university in a secure and reliable way. We take security very seriously — Google has partnered with us to ensure our researchers’ work and our students’ data are protected in a safe and secure environment.”
FSU is currently the only Research 1 university in Florida selected to participate in Google’s AI for Education Accelerator program. This initiative is part of Google’s $1 billion effort aimed at advancing higher education through artificial intelligence.
John Paul Ortiz, Go-To-Market Strategist for Google for Higher Education, said the event aimed to raise awareness about AI tools while strengthening ties between Google and FSU. “We’re here to raise awareness, share the best of Google for Education and help students explore how tools like Gemini and NotebookLM can support guided learning, deep research and smarter study habits,” Ortiz stated. “Universities are the foundation of professional development, and it’s vital that we co-design tools that meet the evolving needs of both education and industry.”
Google’s investment supports programs designed to improve AI literacy as well as provide research funding and cloud computing resources across educational institutions nationwide.
Fozard highlighted why FSU was chosen: “It’s an amazing partnership because we were selected for the innovation efforts happening across our campus. Whether it’s in our research labs, classrooms or student projects, Google recognized the forward-thinking work being done at Florida State.”
The event included opportunities for networking with Google staff along with interactive workshops such as “Innovation Wednesdays Coffee Chat” sessions and hands-on “Gemini Snack & Learn” trainings led by AI experts.
Ken Baldauf, founding director of FSU’s Innovation Hub commented on faculty engagement: “It was an inspiration to see the Hub filled to capacity with faculty from all disciplines learning about AI and its potential for shaping the future of higher education. It shows just how engaged and passionate our faculty are about their work and how valuable it is for us all to gather and share our experiences and insights while connecting with industry leaders.”
Students also shared positive feedback regarding their experience using new AI tools provided by Google during academic pursuits. Sahara Apollonio noted that she learned more about responsible use of AI through these demonstrations: “I already use AI to study, but the deep research tool and built-in quizzes will help me integrate everything I know into my classes this semester,” she said. “It’s great that Florida State is raising awareness about how to use AI responsibly. It’s growing every day and having them support us in learning how to use it the right way will help us all succeed.”
Student-athlete Bianca Sigua described Google’s innovations as significant aids in balancing academics with athletics: “It’s great that Florida State and Google are offering tools that support different learning styles,” Sigua explained.
Senior Tori Wegner appreciated NotebookLM’s time-saving features: “You can upload your notes and PowerPoints, and it creates flashcards, quizzes and even podcasts,” Wegner said.
FSU plans to continue integrating these new AI technologies into its curriculum while providing ongoing training on responsible usage practices.
Paul Marty, associate vice provost for academic innovation at FSU added: “We have been working hard to promote a culture of interdisciplinary innovation on campus, with the Innovation Hub serving as an interdisciplinary home for faculty and staff to learn about emerging technologies such as Generative AI,” he said. “It was inspiring to watch as hundreds of faculty from departments across campus joined in the events throughout the day to find out how they can incorporate Google’s AI tools in their teaching and research.”
More information can be found at ai.fsu.edu.
