Google to Schools: No AI, No Search

What happened

Google's education chief Chris Phillips announced the change in a blog post on November 3, saying it responds to schools' requests for more control over AI use in classrooms. Google said it will share more specifics with schools in the coming months so they can prepare before the new rules take effect.

The same day, Google clarified on X that schools can turn on one, two or all of the services individually. But Search that is switched on still contains AI features: AI Mode and AI Overviews will appear in coaching form, walking students through problems step by step rather than handing over answers. Google says Search and AI are deeply integrated and it offers no AI-free version of Search; in schools that decline AI, Search will be unavailable on student accounts, with a message saying the school has not made it available.

The accompanying coaching mode, Guided Learning, went live globally in Google Classroom on November 3, with the Search version to be piloted in select US schools later in November. Google also said that in early 2027 schools will be able to choose between two search experiences: standard Search with AI Overviews and other AI features, or Search routed through Guided Learning.

Key facts

1. Products covered: Gemini, Gemini Notebook, Gemini in Classroom and Google Search
2. Default state: Off by default for K-12 student accounts until school administrators turn each on
3. Search tied to AI: Google says Search and AI are deeply integrated and it offers no AI-free version of Search
4. Coaching mode: Guided Learning guides step by step instead of giving answers; live globally in Classroom from November 3, piloted in Search in the US later in November
5. Early 2027: Schools will choose between standard AI search and Guided Learning search