At the ISTE edtech conference, Google announced a sweeping expansion of its AI tools for education, bringing its Gemini AI and other technologies deeper into classrooms. The update includes more than 30 new features, all aimed at helping teachers personalize instruction, streamline content creation, and support students more effectively.
As part of the rollout, Google Workspace for Education users now get free access to Gemini AI for Educators, which can help generate lesson plans, brainstorm ideas, and tailor learning materials to individual student needs.
Teachers can also create custom Gemini bots called “Gems,” designed to act as AI subject matter experts using their own classroom materials. Google is also integrating Notebook LM – an AI-powered research assistant – to help teachers build interactive study guides.
In an era where students often turn to AI tools like ChatGPT for homework help, Google is positioning its AI offerings as responsible, teacher-aligned solutions that complement human instruction rather than replace it.
Other notable updates include:
- Google Vids, the collaborative video tool, is now open to all education users. Teachers can create lessons, and students can produce assignments like book reports.
- AI-powered Reading Buddy support in Read Along in Classroom offers real-time feedback for students learning to read.
- New analytics and tracking features help educators monitor student progress against learning standards.
- Class tools mode on managed Chromebooks lets teachers push content – like videos, quizzes, or articles – directly to student screens while restricting web browsing to approved tabs.
- Enhanced security and admin controls for Gemini, Gmail, Notebook LM, and Meet, giving institutions more control over how AI tools are accessed and used.
With these updates, Google is betting that “responsible AI” – guided by educators – can reshape the classroom for the better, despite the challenges and controversies surrounding AI’s rapid rise in learning environments.
