Google’s Approach to Learning Science

Recorded live at the 2026 ASU+GSV Summit in San Diego, this session featured Julia Wilkowski, Learning Science Team Lead | Learning & Education at Google; Kevin McKee, Research Scientist at Google DeepMind; and Shashank Agarwal, Software Engineer at Google Research.The speakers explored how, in a sea of generic AI tools, technology can be designed to serve the mind rather than replace it. They provided an inside look at the learning science behind Google’s education tools, including Gemini for Education, and examined how Google DeepMind and Google Research measure efficacy and impact.The session discussed Google’s approach to large-scale Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) to evaluate the impact of generative AI on student learning in the classroom. It also highlighted the realities of conducting rigorous field research, sharing emerging insights and emphasizing the importance of evidence-based, teacher-centric AI deployment.