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Smart Study Companion with Gemini

Smart Study Companion with Gemini

Transform how you learn with a personalized “Study Gem.” Upload class materials and let Gemini explain difficult concepts, quiz you on topics, and create custom study guides — all from your SU Google account.

Create a Personalized Tutor Gem

You’ll need: Course materials (PDFs, slides, lecture notes, or study guides)

Steps:

  1. From the left sidebar, select “Explore Gems” to browse or create your own AI helper.

  2. Click “+ New Gem.” Give it a descriptive name like Smart Study Companion or BIO 121 Tutor.

  3. Add instructions in the description and instruction fields to guide your Study Gem.

    • Example: “You are my personal study tutor. Explain concepts in simple terms, create 5-question quizzes, and summarize uploaded lecture slides.”

  4. Upload your lecture notes, slides, or readings. Then ask:

    • “Create a quiz for Chapter 2,” or “Explain the main themes from this document.”

💬 Example prompts:

“Generate 5 multiple-choice questions based on this document or lecture content.

For each question:

  • Provide 4 answer options (A–D).

  • Indicate the correct answer and include a one-sentence explanation.

  • Mix conceptual, definition-based, and applied questions.

  • Keep the questions at a college level (not overly simple).

At the end, include a short summary titled ‘Concepts Reviewed’ listing the key topics covered in the quiz.”

“Summarize this article into 3 main points that capture the key arguments or findings.

For each main point:

  • Provide a 2–3 sentence explanation.

  • Highlight any significant data, evidence, or examples that support it.

Conclude with a short ‘Overall Insight’ section (2 sentences) that explains how these points connect or why they matter in context.”

“Explain this formula step by step as if you were tutoring a student:

  1. Name and Purpose: Briefly describe what the formula is used for.

  2. Define Variables: List and define each variable or symbol in plain language.

  3. Step-by-Step Breakdown: Explain how to apply the formula, showing an example calculation if possible.

  4. Common Mistakes: Identify typical errors students make when using this formula.

  5. Check for Understanding: End with one short practice question the student can solve.

Keep explanations clear, structured, and easy to follow.”

“Create a flashcard set based on this topic or document.

Each card should have:

  • Front: A key term, concept, or question.

  • Back: A concise definition or 1–2 sentence explanation.

Generate at least 10 flashcards that cover the main ideas, terms, and examples.

Format them as:
Front: [Term/Question]
Back: [Definition/Answer]

End the set with a short ‘Review Tip’ suggesting how to use the cards for effective studying.”

A screenshot of the user interface for Gemini where it was provided a powerpoitn and asked to create multiple choice questions from it
Upload your course materials to the Study Guide Gem and generate personalized quizzes and study summaries.

Tips for using Tutor Gem

  • Be specific — tell Gemini what level of detail you need (“college-level summary,” “2-minute explanation,” etc.).

  • Reuse your Study Gem before every exam to keep your learning consistent.

  • Edit or update your Gem anytime as you add new course content.

  • Save and share a general “Study Guide Gem” link with classmates (see below).

Share a Sample Study Guide Gem

If you’ve built a helpful general study Gem, you can share it with others.
Click Explore Gems → Click the Share Icon → Copy Link to generate a URL.
Post the link in your Blackboard, Google Classroom, or student group chat for others to try.
Example: “SU General Study Guide Gem” – helps generate summaries, flashcards, and quizzes for any subject.

FAQ & Limitations

When you share a Gem link, others can view or use your Gem’s setup (its name, instructions, and structure), but they do not have access to your uploaded files, past chats, or custom content. Each user’s data remains private under their own SU Google account.

Each Gem includes sections for Name, Description, Instructions, and Knowledge (uploaded files). For help writing effective instructions, refer to:
👉 https://support.google.com/gemini/answer/15235603?hl=en

You can upload common study file types like .pdf, .docx, .txt, .pptx, or Google Docs directly from your Drive. Avoid uploading restricted or confidential data such as graded assignments, exams, or student records.

Keep in Mind

  • Avoid uploading confidential or graded materials.

  • Review AI-generated quizzes for accuracy.

  • Always double-check facts — Gemini is a learning support tool, not a replacement for understanding.

Support

Need help? ITS Help Desk: 315-443-2677 • help@syr.edu