Hidden Gems

Hidden Gems: Creating custom Google Gems for faculty

This event will take place on May 28th, 2026 at 11:00 am ET.

In the world of Gemini AI, Gems are custom versions of the assistant designed to handle specific, repeatable tasks. Think of them as your own personal "AI experts" that have been pre-loaded with your specific rubrics, teaching preferences, or department guidelines. 

By using a Gem, you skip the repetitive setup and jump straight to high-quality, consistent results every time. 

This isn't just a lecture—it’s an interactive showcase. We will be demonstrating gems that have already been created, giving you a front-row seat to see how these tools perform in real-world academic scenarios. 

We’ll start with an introduction to custom GPTs and their applications, then dive into hands-on demos and practice opportunities. The event concludes with guidance on creating your own gems and reinforcing the CORE framework for effective AI integration. 

Open to all faculty, this event promises actionable strategies, interactive learning, and fresh insights to enhance your teaching. 

Register for the May 28th event

Hidden Gems topics:

Note: Login with your IU Google account to access the Gems.

Design or revise assignments with clearer goals, stronger alignment, and more transparent expectations for AI use. This Gem helps you create assignment prompts that support learning, emphasize process over product, and make it easier for students to understand what high-quality work looks like.

Build a clearer, more intentional course structure by mapping outcomes, assessments, learning activities, and instructional priorities. This Gem helps you organize a course so that content, practice, and assessment work together in support of meaningful student learning.

Generate a discussion prompt that moves students beyond recall and into analysis, interpretation, and reflection. This Gem helps you create prompts that encourage original thinking, meaningful engagement, and stronger dialogue around course concepts.

This Gem simulates a job interview and could potentially be adjusted to adapt to various fields. Users are asked various questions and must identify their skills clearly and provide evidence of that skill through storytelling. Users receive summative feedback and score on their performance.

 

 

Previous Hidden Gems topics:

Note: Login with your IU Google account to access the Gems.

Audit My Assignment for AI Risk

Paste an assignment prompt and get a quick read on where generative AI might undermine authentic learning. This gem suggests small, targeted tweaks to preserve originality, critical thinking, and alignment with your outcomes. 

Critique my Thesis

The thesis feedback machines gives feedback and guidance for making a stellar thesis statement using Rosenwasser and Stephen’s Writing Analytically. This gem helps students draft, revise, and assess their thesis. 

Draft a Discussion Prompt That Sparks Critical Thinking

Get help turning a topic into 1–2 focused discussion questions that push students beyond summary. This gem helps you target higher-order thinking (analyze, evaluate, create) in formats that work well in Canvas or in-person. 

Letter of Recommendation Assistant

Quickly draft a polished, customizable letter of recommendation based on your relationship with the student and the opportunity they’re pursuing. This gem helps you organize strengths, examples, and professional tone so you can revise and finalize in your own voice.