This free Google AI course could transform how you research and write - but act fast

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ZDNET's key takeaways

• This free AI course teaches research, writing, and engagement tools.
• The four-week program covers Gemini, NotebookLM, and Pinpoint.
• Writers, creators, and journalists will gain practical, free training.

We've all seen the ad pitches that end with "act before midnight tonight." Well, this article describes the opportunity to take a free 4-module course that begins next week. So, if you think you're going to want to gain the learnings on offer, this is one of those act-fast moments.

But what is it I'm suggesting you sign up for?

Screenshot by David Gewirtz/ZDNET

The course is called "Google AI Tools for Journalists: Optimizing Editorial Workflow, Content Creation, and Audience Engagement." It's obviously intended for journalists, but it could also be valuable to bloggers, influencers, teachers, students, YouTubers, or any other communicator.

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The pitch is, "Imagine making your reporting more efficient starting next week. With free Google Al tools, you can quickly process documents, summarize key information and organize your research so you can focus on telling impactful stories."

The course is under the auspices of the Knight Center for Journalism, a project of the University of Texas at Austin. Knight Center provides free or low-cost online training programs in a variety of languages to journalists worldwide. That said, you don't have to be a journalist to take this course.

Next, let's discuss Google's participation. Some of my fellow journalists expressed their concern to me that this would be just another way for Google to hawk its wares. I haven't taken this course yet because it begins next week, but the last free AI training course I took from Google was surprisingly well-rounded. The instructors spoke positively not only about Google's services, but those of their competitors.

Also, let's not discount the fact that Gemini is good and Google's NotebookLM is astounding. If Google's experts can share more details about how to gain value from those tools, it's probably worth your time. Did I mention it was free?

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So, here's a quick rundown of what you'll learn across the four modules contained in the course prospectus:

• Gain a greater understanding of AI in general and generative AI. There's always going to be a required "what are we talking about?" intro section in one of these courses.
• Master effective prompting techniques. I often write about powerful prompting techniques, but I've found that when the AI vendors themselves talk about prompting techniques, it's well worth listening to. Their deeper understanding of their own tools always yields something new.
• Use Pinpoint (a Google tool for analyzing large documents) and NotebookLM to process documents and find new ways to approach stories. I haven't used Pinpoint, so I'm excited to learn more. I use NotebookLM fairly regularly. It's proven to be enormously helpful, and I wouldn't mind more tips on its usage.
• They'll also showcase content creation using Gemini Deep Research, Gems, Imagen, and Veo. I suspect they'll also probably look at the new generative art tool, nano banana. Of course, there are limits on what you can use in journalism and education that's been created by generative AI, so I'm hoping they discuss those limits as well.
• This next one really intrigues me. They'll be talking about how you can use News Consumer Insights and Google Analytics to boost engagement and revenue. Given that we're all fighting an uphill battle against Gemini at the top of the search results in Google, this could be interesting.
• And, finally, they'll be talking about best practices for using the tools responsibly and ensuring digital security.

I've already signed up and will be taking all four modules. As I said, there are areas I'm particularly interested in, but I'll take all the modules because I can always use reinforcement. The course begins October 20 and runs through November 16, and it is offered in English and Spanish.

Another thing I'm particularly looking forward to is what Google describes as "Real media cases using AI to optimize newsroom time and processes." I do love case studies, so that's very promising.

While the course officially begins on October 20, as soon as you sign up, you'll get access to the introductory module, which covers some AI basics and shows, "How newsrooms are already using these tools to streamline workflows and save time."

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That just seems like a bundle of fun. You can probably even get away with attending during work time. Let's sit on down with a nice hot cup of coffee (or whatever your work beverage of choice is), and power up our brains together. Oh, and there's a participation certificate that we can add to our LinkedIn profiles.

What about you? Are you planning to take the free Google AI Tools for Journalists course? Do you think tools like Pinpoint, NotebookLM, and Gemini can make your writing or research more efficient? If you're not a journalist, do you still see ways these AI tools could help in your work or studies? And what's your take on Google's growing role in AI education? Is it helpful outreach or strategic marketing? Let us know in the comments below.

You can follow my day-to-day project updates on social media. Be sure to subscribe to my weekly update newsletter, and follow me on Twitter/X at @DavidGewirtz, on Facebook at Facebook.com/DavidGewirtz, on Instagram at Instagram.com/DavidGewirtz, on Bluesky at @DavidGewirtz.com, and on YouTube at YouTube.com/DavidGewirtzTV.