As the new school year approaches, Google announced on Wednesday that it’s launching a new tool called Guided Learning within Gemini. The tool sort of functions like an AI tutor, as it’s designed to help users build a deep understanding instead of just getting answers.

The launch follows just over a week after OpenAI rolled out Study Mode for ChatGPT, which is also designed to go beyond simply obtaining answers to questions by actually helping users develop critical thinking skills.

Both companies’ launches come amid concerns that AI chatbots undermine the learning process because they spit out direct answers. The new tools from Google and OpenAI likely aim to address these concerns by positioning their chatbots as learning tools rather than simple answer engines.

With Guided Learning, Gemini will break down problems step-by-step and adapt explanations to its users’ needs. The feature responds using images, diagrams, videos, and interactive quizzes to help users build and test themselves on their knowledge, rather than simply giving them the answer.

Google says the feature will help users uncover the “why” and “how” behind concepts.

“Whether you’re preparing for an exam about enzymes, starting the first draft of a paper on the importance of bee populations in supporting our food systems, or exploring your passion for photography, Guided Learning is a collaborative thinking partner that helps you get it — each step of the way,” wrote Maureen Heymans, Google’s VP of Learning and Sustainability, in a blog post.

In addition to the new feature, Google announced that it’s working to make Gemini as a whole better equipped to help users learn. Gemini will now automatically incorporate images, diagrams, and YouTube videos directly into responses to help users better understand complex topics. Plus, users can now also ask Gemini to create flashcards and study guides based on their quiz results or other class materials.

Google also announced on Wednesday that it’s offering students in the U.S., Japan, Indonesia, Korea, and Brazil a free one-year subscription to Google’s AI Pro plan.

The plan includes expanded access to Gemini 2.5 Pro, NotebookLM, Veo 3, Deep Research, and more.