Welcome back to Teach and Tech Tuesday, where we unpack new AI tools that can make your teaching life just a little easier and maybe even save you enough time to finish your coffee while it is still warm.
Today, we are talking about Merlin, a Chrome extension and AI assistant that claims it can be your “co-pilot” while you work online. If you have ever wished that the internet came with a personal assistant who does not take a lunch break, Merlin might be the tool for you.
And because we like to keep things real around here, we are also going to stack it up against Gemini (Google’s AI assistant) and see who wins in a head-to-head teacher-friendly showdown.
What Is Merlin?
Merlin.in is a browser-based AI assistant that follows you around like a loyal golden retriever. Wherever you go online, Merlin can pop up and help you out.
Need to summarize a 47-page article that you absolutely do not have time to read?
Want a polished email to a parent that sounds less like a cry for help and more like a professional educator?
Looking for a quick brainstorming partner for tomorrow’s lesson plan?
Merlin is built for all of that, and more.
The beauty of Merlin is that it does not require you to open a new app or window. You just highlight the text you need help with, click, and get immediate assistance. It feels a little like magic, which probably explains the name.
Merlin also offers the option to choose between multiple AI models. You can use GPT-4, Claude, or other custom models depending on what you need and how fancy you are feeling that day.
Merlin vs. Gemini: Teacher Edition
You might be wondering, “Is Merlin just a dressed-up version of Gemini?” Good question, and the answer is, not exactly.
Here is a quick breakdown:
| Feature | Merlin (the overachiever) | Gemini (the Google favorite) |
| Access | Chrome ExtensionWebsite | WebsiteInside Google Workspace |
| Model Options | GPT-4ClaudeCustom models | Gemini models only |
| Best For | Summarizing articlesOn-the-go writing helpMultiple platform support | Writing in Google DocsQuick research |
| Customization | Choice of the AI model | Limited prompts |
| Cost | Free to paid options | FreeAdvanced version through Google One |
In plain English:
If you live and breathe in Google Docs, Gemini will feel like a natural fit.
If you like your AI to work across everything you do online, from Gmail to YouTube to random articles at midnight, Merlin is going to be your new best friend.
How Teachers Might Actually Use Merlin
Realistically, here is how Merlin can make your day a little easier:
- Summarize academic articles so you can sound brilliant at meetings without sacrificing your Saturday.
- Draft polite, professional emails when you are out of patience but still need to keep it together.
- Brainstorm lesson plans faster than you can say, “I thought I had another planning period today.”
- Generate quiz questions that are actually aligned with what you just taught.
- Research assistance for those moments when you are trying to explain something complicated and Google gives you 7 ads and a conspiracy theory instead of a straight answer.
Merlin acts like the teaching assistant most of us wish we had but the budget committee said “maybe next year.”
AI Behind the Tool
Data Sources:
Merlin pulls from a variety of publicly available online content, your prompts, and trusted AI models like GPT-4 and Claude. It works to give quick, helpful, and relevant responses without needing access to your personal data.
Processing:
When you highlight something or type a request, Merlin uses natural language processing to interpret what you need and generate an answer in real time. You can think of it like a very fast, very agreeable intern.
Ethical Considerations:
- Privacy: While Merlin promises not to own or misuse your data, it is smart to avoid sharing confidential student information through any AI tool.
- Bias: Because Merlin’s AI models are trained on real-world internet data, they can inherit some of its quirks and biases. Use your teacher judgment as your shield.
- Access Equity: Merlin offers a solid free version, but some of the most powerful options (like GPT-4 access) are behind a paywall. This could create equity issues if some teachers or students have access and others do not.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, Merlin is one of the most practical AI tools I have tested lately. It works across platforms, saves you time, and feels genuinely helpful, not gimmicky. If you are tired of bouncing between a dozen different apps to get help with your workload, Merlin is worth a look.
That said, Gemini is not going anywhere, and if your entire teaching world is already rooted in Google products, you may find it easier to stick with what you know.
Either way, the takeaway is this: you have options. AI is not about replacing teachers (as if that was even possible). It is about giving us better tools to do the incredible work we already do, preferably before the coffee gets cold.
Happy Tuesday, and may your AI assistants be speedy and your lesson plans sparkle!
Paula Johnson Tech 
Leave a comment