Gemini Skills for Real-Life Tasks

In this session, you will get guided practice in prompt engineering fundamentals, learn to navigate Gemini's interface and features, and discover how to integrate Gemini into your everyday workflows. We will cover how to differentiate between model types (Flash vs. Pro), work with documents and visuals, and leverage Gemini's connections to other Google tools, like Docs, Gmail, and Sheets.

Whether new to generative AI or looking to sharpen your skills, this session helps you move beyond exploration to purposeful use, empowering you to apply Gemini meaningfully in professional and personal contexts.

1: Getting Started with Gemini
- Overview of Gemini's interface
- Introduction to Gemini's model options (Flash vs. Pro) and what's available on your Stanford account
- Data handling: what is and isn't appropriate to enter into Stanford Gemini

2: Prompting Essentials
- Core prompt engineering concepts
- Improving prompt outcomes with examples
- Guided practice: writing effective prompts

3: Using Gemini in Everyday Tasks
- Content generation (writing, brainstorming, editing)
- Visual and video creation (static + dynamic media)
- Digesting and summarizing data from documents you upload
- Working with tables, lists, and semi-structured content
- Generating email and communication templates

4: Research and Discovery
- Web search
- Deep Research mode: use cases and tips
- Audio Overviews and related features

5: Working Alongside Google Workspace
- How Stanford's Gemini access differs from "Gemini for Workspace" (the embedded version not licensed at Stanford)
- Bridging Gemini with Docs, Sheets, and Gmail through manual copy/paste and document upload workflows
- Uploading and interacting with documents directly in Gemini
- Scenario-based exercises across workflows (admin, project management, creative work, etc.)

Learners should be able to log into Google Gemini with their Stanford SUNet ID at https://gemini.google.com. (Personal Google accounts with a paid Google AI plan will also work, but the session will be taught against the Stanford account experience.)

You should be comfortable with Zoom and use the basics of general computer use.
- Specifically, you should be able to:
1. Open and switch between programs (e.g., browser, Word, etc.)
2. Navigate browser tabs
3. Use common browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, etc.)

Zoom Proficiency:
- Use chat, participants panel, mute/unmute, and video controls
- Share your screen when needed
- Understand Zoom overlay controls (e.g., notifications, toolbars)