UST expands Google AI use across campus

The University of Santo Tomas (UST) is expanding the use of artificial intelligence (ai) in teaching and learning through the campus-wide rollout of Google’s Gemini for Education.

The university has trained more than 2,000 faculty members to use AI tools in their respective disciplines, supported by 45 e-learning specialists and more than 300 Google Certified Educators.

UST has integrated Gemini and Gemini Notebook into its existing Google Workspace for Education ecosystem as part of its digital transformation efforts.

The university said its approach focuses on using AI to enhance teaching rather than replace educators, with guidelines in place to promote responsible use and protect academic integrity.

AI applications vary across disciplines. Nursing faculty use Gemini to create patient-care scenarios for emergency decision-making exercises, while architecture classes use AI visualization to develop realistic renders inspired by Philippine vernacular design.

Engineering instructors use AI-generated visualizations to explain complex mathematical concepts, while Theology students use Gemini Notebook to organize and synthesize historical and philosophical materials for classroom discussions.

UST E-Learning Specialists Team Leader Shane Alexander Y. Laong said Gemini Notebook has also helped reduce preparation workloads by allowing teachers and students to turn large volumes of literature into study materials such as flashcards and quizzes.

The university said AI is also being used to assist faculty with lesson plans, rubrics and visual learning materials, allowing educators to spend more time mentoring students and providing personalized feedback.

“We aim to produce Thomasian graduates who are future-ready, competent, committed, and compassionate — empowered to use critical thinking, problem-solving, and AI ethically and responsibly,” UST Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Prof. Cheryl R. Peralta, DrPH, said.

UST has more than 46,000 students across 22 degree-granting academic units.