[ITmedia News] Google turns off AI function for school students in principle, ``Google search without AI'' is not an option and receives criticism

Google announced on November 3rd (local time) that it will basically turn off features such as the generative AI "Gemini" and "Google Search" on accounts for K-12 students until school administrators explicitly enable them. This measure allows schools to control students' use of AI. However, it is not possible to disable just the AI ​​functions built into Google Search, so if the school chooses to disable the use of AI functions, students will not be able to use Google Search itself. This point has been criticized.

The targets are "Gemini," "Gemini Notebook," "Gemini in Classroom," and "Google Search" used in student accounts managed by schools. These can be enabled individually by school administrators. Google said the changes were made in response to feedback from schools, teachers, researchers, and policy makers. The exact date of this change has not been officially specified, but according to the New York Times, it will start in early 2027. Google will communicate details to schools in the coming months ahead of the changes.

The issue is how Google searches are handled. Schools can disable Gemini etc. and only enable search, but they cannot individually disable the ``AI summary'' displayed in search results or the ``AI mode'' that allows interactive searches.

"Search and AI are deeply integrated," Chris Phillips, Google's vice president of education, told the New York Times. He said students at schools that ban AI completely will be unable to use Google Search and will see a message indicating that it is unavailable.

In the United States, public schools in New York City and Los Angeles have broadly restricted students' use of generative AI this school year. These schools will be forced to choose between allowing Google search, which includes AI capabilities, or not using search itself.

On the same day, New York City Mayor Zoran Kwame Mamdani criticized Google for using its monopoly power to impose AI on public schools. "No company should have the power to dictate how children are taught."

In response, Google responded on its official X account, saying the changes are meant to expand school choices, not narrow them. Gemini, Google search, etc. will be disabled by default, and schools can enable them individually. The company said it was in response to the school's desire to have more detailed control over students' use of AI.

At the same time, Google announced that it will introduce a "Guided Learning" feature to Google Search and Google Classroom, in which AI helps students think and solve homework problems themselves, rather than directly providing answers.

When a student enters a physics problem or asks a question about writing a book review, Search does not provide an answer immediately, but rather prompts students to understand through step-by-step explanations and questions. The trial will begin in November in some U.S. schools and expand in the coming months.

Google Classroom began offering the ``Guided Learning'' feature worldwide on November 3rd, in which AI provides step-by-step assistance to students as they work through tasks assigned by teachers. Teachers can monitor students' learning progress in real time and see where additional support is needed.