Google has launched Guided Learning, a new feature in its Gemini platform that aims to help users move beyond quick answers and build deeper understanding across subjects.
Part of Google’s broader education efforts, Guided Learning integrates capabilities from LearnLM, Google’s family of models fine-tuned for education, and encourages users to engage with topics through step-by-step explanations, interactive content, and open-ended questions.
“Insights from learning science show that people learn best when they actively engage with information,” Maureen Heymans, VP of learning at Google, said. “This principle is at the heart of our work.”
Unlike standard AI responses that often deliver direct answers, Guided Learning focuses on the learning process. Users can expect responses that include multimodal elements such as images, videos, diagrams, and interactive quizzes. The experience is personalised, adapting explanations based on user needs.
The feature is built on years of research and collaboration with educators, students, neuroscientists, and cognitive scientists.
“Simply improving prompting wasn’t enough to create a meaningful learning tool,” Heymans explained. “That insight led to the creation of LearnLM so we could infuse learning science into our foundational models.”
Google’s release is similar to OpenAI’s recently launched Study Mode in ChatGPT, which interactively guides students and learners through their questions, helping them understand and engage rather than simply giving answers.
The feature on ChatGPT is available for all users – Free, Plus, Pro, and Team – with availability in ChatGPT Edu rolling in the next few weeks.
Back in February 2025, Google incorporated LearnLM into Gemini 2.5, which now powers Guided Learning. The company claims this makes Gemini the “world’s leading model for learning.”
Google has also announced that students aged 18 and above can now access a free 12-month subscription to the Google AI Pro plan, starting with learners in the US, Japan, Indonesia, Korea, and Brazil.
The announcement also includes a $1 billion commitment to support AI education, job training, and research in the United States. As part of this, Google is making its AI and career training free for every college student in America through the AI for Education Accelerator, which already includes participation from over 100 colleges and universities.
The free AI Pro plan includes expanded access to Gemini 2.5 Pro, Deep Research tools, NotebookLM with extended media support, and Veo 3 for generating short videos from text or images. Students will also receive higher usage limits with Jules, Google’s asynchronous coding agent, and 2 TB of cloud storage across Google services.
Students have until October 6 to sign up for the offer. Google said it plans to expand the programme to additional countries in the coming weeks.
Regarding Guided Learning, learners involved in early testing reported a desire to move from surface-level answers to deeper understanding. They also sought a space where they could ask questions without hesitation. Google said Guided Learning was shaped by this feedback, aiming to offer a “conversational, judgment-free” environment.
Educators were also consulted in the design process. “Real learning is an active, constructive process,” said Heymans. “We worked with educators to build Guided Learning as a partner in their teaching.” A dedicated link allows teachers to integrate the experience into Google Classroom or share it directly with students.
Google described Guided Learning as a step toward making education more accessible and responsive. The company stated it remains committed to further research and collaboration to improve the offering.
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