Gemini for Education Is Here: See What It Can Do for You

Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer just a buzzword—it’s slowly finding its way into classrooms in real and helpful ways. While some teachers are still unsure or even nervous about relying too much on it, it’s clear that AI is becoming part of how students learn today.

Let’s face it—many students already use AI tools to write essays, solve problems, and get their work done faster. It’s a growing trend that’s hard to ignore.

To help educators keep up and make AI more useful (and safe), Google recently unveiled a new set of tools called “Gemini in Classroom.” The announcement was made at this year’s ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education) conference. These tools are part of Google’s Workspace for Education pilot program and are designed to support teachers and students alike in a thoughtful and responsible way.

In this article, we’ll walk you through what Gemini in Education can actually do—and how it might make life in the classroom a little easier, and maybe even more exciting.

Key Takeaways:

• Google’s new Gemini in Classroom is a collection of AI tools created under the broader “Gemini for Education” project. It’s built right into Google’s Workspace for Education.

• These tools are designed to help teachers build things like interactive study guides, personalized quizzes, and even their own AI-powered teaching assistants—all in just a few clicks.

• Gemini supports multimedia learning, including audio and video content that can feel more engaging and personal for students—think podcast-style lessons or video overviews of key topics.

• Most importantly, these tools are made with responsibility in mind. Google isn’t just handing students AI and hoping for the best—it’s about using AI in a safe, guided, and thoughtful way inside the classroom.

• That said, for these tools to really work, schools need to be ready. That means proper training for educators and a clear plan for how to bring AI into the classroom in a way that fits with current teaching styles.

Google’s New AI Tools for Teachers: What They Can Do in the Classroom

In the past few months, there’s been a big push to bring AI into schools and universities. Companies like OpenAI and Anthropic have started giving students and teachers free access to powerful AI tools to support learning.

Now, Google is stepping up too. After months of planning, the tech giant is rolling out its own AI tools for education through a program called Google Gemini for Education.

Just last month, Google introduced a bunch of AI-powered features inside Google Classroom. It’s a major move that shows how serious they are about bringing AI into everyday teaching and learning.

They’re calling it Gemini for students, and it comes with over 30 brand-new tools – all designed to help teachers and students use AI to work smarter, learn faster, and stay more engaged. The best part? It’s all free in Google Workspace for Education.

While some features are already live, others – like video summaries and customizable AI tutors – will roll out soon. Let’s take a look at the coolest things you’ll be able to do with Google’s new AI tools in the classroom.

1. Make Study Guides and Podcasts with NotebookLM

One of the most exciting new tools is NotebookLM, which helps teachers turn regular classroom materials into interactive study guides and even podcast-style audio summaries.

It’s simple: upload your class notes, presentations, or lesson plans into Google Workspace, and NotebookLM will create a custom guide or voice-over audio version. Imagine a student revisiting a lesson by listening to it like a podcast – it's a great way to keep learning on the go.

Google also shared that soon, you’ll be able to make short video summaries too – all with the click of a button. No fancy editing needed!

Google Classroom dashboard showing an educator creating a podcast-style Audio Overview with NotebookLM. Source: Google

2. Create Your Own AI Helpers with Custom “Gems”

Google already launched Gems – AI helpers that can assist with pretty much anything. Now, they’re letting teachers create their own custom Gems based on their unique class materials.

For example, a science teacher could create a Gem that explains lab simulations or a history teacher might build one that walks students through key historical events. Some teachers are already using these to bring lessons to life in new ways.

And soon, you’ll be able to share your Gems with other teachers and students directly in Google Classroom – making collaboration easier than ever.

Google Classroom dashboard showing custom Gem templates. Source: Google

3. Build Personalized Quizzes with Gemini Canvas

Quizzes don’t have to be boring or stressful anymore. With Gemini Canvas, students over 18 can now create their own quizzes based on the subjects they’re studying. Just upload your notes or textbook material, and Gemini will generate questions that match your content.

This feature will soon be available for students under 18 as well.

Google also mentioned they’re working on adding visuals like charts and diagrams to these quizzes – which can really help when tackling tough or abstract topics.

4. Create Fun Videos with Sound Using Veo 3

Learning doesn’t have to stay on paper. With a paid Workspace account and the Gemini add-on, teachers and students can use Veo 3, Google’s video creation tool, to make 8-second videos – complete with sound effects!

It’s perfect for assignments like book reports, mini-projects, or just adding creativity to a lesson. It’s a fun, engaging way to let students show what they’ve learned in their own voice and style.

5. Track Student Progress by Skills and Standards

Keeping up with every student’s progress can be tough. That’s why Google has added a smart new way for teachers to track how students are doing, based on learning goals and standards.

Now, teachers can tag assignments with specific skills or benchmarks – like those used in U.S. K–12 education (NGSS, ISTE, ACT) – and then see how students are performing in real-time.

It’s a big help for understanding where each student is thriving or where they might need more support.

Google Classroom dashboard showing a teacher tagging their assignments with learning standards. Source: Google

6. Get Clear, Helpful Class Insights

To make teaching even more responsive, Google introduced a new Analytics tab in Classroom. This gives teachers a quick view of how students are doing, where they’re engaged, and who might be falling behind.

The dashboard even shows alerts and reminders for things like missing assignments, helping teachers catch small problems before they become big ones.

You’ll also see insights pop up right on the Classwork page – so you can check in, follow up, and support students without extra work.

Google Classroom dashboard showing analytics for students’ performance and engagement. Source: Google

The Bottom Line

Bringing AI into classrooms isn’t a bad thing—and if used the right way, it won’t take away from students’ thinking skills. In fact, Google’s launch of Gemini for classroom learning feels like a big step forward—as long as it’s used thoughtfully to support real learning.

Let’s be honest: many students are already using AI tools on their own, often without guidance. Instead of ignoring it, it makes more sense to bring these tools into the classroom, where teachers can help students use them in smart, safe ways.

Now that Google Workspace for Education has built-in AI features, teachers can access these tools right inside the systems they already know. The real challenge now? Making sure schools and educators feel ready and confident to use them well.