Google is rolling out new AI settings for schools that give administrators control over whether students can use its AI products. But that control comes with a trade-off: if a school turns off Google’s AI features, its K–12 students will also lose access to Google Search.
The company says its new “Guided Learning” features are designed to help students work through problems rather than jump straight to answers. In Search, for example, a student asking for help with a physics problem or book report may see prompts encouraging them to think through the material.
Guided Learning in Search will begin as a pilot at selected US schools this month. The feature is also launching globally in Google Classroom, where it is intended to help students study using class materials and give teachers insight into how students are handling the material.
Separately, Google says Gemini, Gemini Notebook, Gemini in Classroom and Google Search will be turned off by default for K–12 student accounts until school administrators enable them. The company told The New York Times that Search and its AI features are closely integrated, meaning students at schools that leave AI turned off will not have access to Search.
Google says the aim is to let school leaders decide how AI products are used in classrooms. However, it told the Times that two options are expected for schools in early 2027: one with AI Overviews and other AI features enabled, and another with Guided Learning in their place. Under either option, schools would not be able to offer students Google Search with all AI features disabled.
Sources: 9to5Google.