Google unveils 'Guided Learning' tool to take on ChatGPT’s Study Mode

Back in the day, students used to panic when class assignments popped up. But now, AI has made it easier. Just ahead of the new school year, Google has unveiled a learning tool in its Gemini app that’s more of a tutor than a search engine. It’s called Guided Learning, and it’s designed to teach, not just tell.

While we don't know the official release date of the feature, it will be available to everyone as a toggle in the prompt box of Gemini. When turned on, Guided Learning guides you through complex topics step-by-step.

So, instead of immediately giving you the answer, it asks thought-provoking questions, adds helpful visuals like diagrams and videos, and even weaves in interactive quizzes to deepen your understanding. Whether you're breaking down cellular respiration or drafting a thesis on bee populations, this mode aims to get you to the "why" and "how" behind the facts.

This launch closely follows OpenAI’s rollout of Study Mode in ChatGPT, another feature meant to shift the focus from quick answers to meaningful learning. Both come amid growing concerns that AI could encourage shortcuts rather than actual learning.

Behind the scenes, Google didn’t rush this feature out. The company states that Guided Learning mode is based on years of research and collaboration with educators, cognitive scientists, and learning experts. It’s powered by LearnLM, a model family optimised for educational contexts, now integrated into Gemini 2.5 Pro.

Interestingly, Google is offering students in the U.S., Japan, Indonesia, Korea, and Brazil a free 12-month subscription to their AI Pro plan, providing expanded access to Gemini 2.5 Pro, NotebookLM, Deep Research, and more. The company also claims it is committing $1 billion over three years toward boosting AI literacy, classroom resources, and education-focused research in the U.S.

Gemini 2.5 Flash-Lite is now generally available

Google’s fastest and most affordable Gemini model is now officially out of preview after a month-long test phase.

TechloyOyinebiladou Omemu