Google will disable Search for students unless schools accept AI features in ‘Guided Learning’ push

Google has unveiled new AI settings for schools but has placed a major restriction on its Search feature. In a recent blog post, the tech giant emphasized its commitment to responsible technology development aimed at helping students thrive. The company's new "Guided Learning" initiative in Gemini, Search, and Classroom is designed to assist students in working through complex problems without immediately providing answers.

This new feature will be rolled out in a pilot program this month in select US schools, with Google Classroom's Guided Learning launching globally today. The company describes it as a personalized study tool anchored in class material to keep students on task while also providing teachers insights into their students' understanding of the material.

In a significant move, Google will also disable Gemini, Gemini Notebook, Gemini in Classroom, and Google Search for K-12 student accounts by default. This will continue until school administrators explicitly enable these features. The removal of these features has a major impact, cutting students off from Google Search entirely. Google explains that Search and AI are deeply integrated, and with AI features turned off, students in AI-disabled schools will not have access to search.

Google's aim is to give school leaders the control and confidence to use AI products in classrooms according to their preferences. However, the company confirmed that by early 2027, two options will be available to schools. One option includes AI Overviews and other AI features, while the other will have Guided Learning in their place. This leaves schools with no choice other than to accept AI features or relinquish access to Google Search for their students.