Introduction to New Google Classroom Features
Google has announced a range of new features for its Classroom software suite, aiming to enhance the educational experience for both teachers and students. These features include the integration of free Gemini AI tools for educators and the introduction of NotebookLM for users under 18, marking the first time this tool has been made available to minors.
Enhanced Tools for Educators
Teachers with a Google Workspace account will now have access to a dedicated Gemini tab in their Google Classroom. This tab offers a variety of tools designed to assist with tasks such as brainstorming lesson plans, creating math problems, and drafting emails. For educators with Education Plus Edition accounts, Gemini audio lessons will also be available as add-ons. Additionally, a new Analytics tab will enable teachers to track student performance more effectively, highlighting students who have shown recent improvement or those who may need extra support due to missing assignments.
Expanded Access to NotebookLM
In the coming months, Google will expand access to its NotebookLM research and note-taking tool to users under 18. This tool will provide students with interactive study guides and podcast-style audio overviews based on source materials uploaded by their teachers. Educators will also have the capability to create custom Gems, which are mini custom Gemini agents tailored to their curriculum, to share with students. These Gems can be used by students to get extra help or delve deeper into topics of interest. Furthermore, administrators will be able to share Gems with teachers under their supervision, facilitating lesson planning and other administrative tasks.
Additional Features and Tools
Several other tools are being introduced to support educators, including Google Vids for generative AI video creation and a "help me create a form" feature in Gemini. The launch of Google’s Class Tools is also noteworthy, as it will allow teachers to manage their students’ Chromebooks more effectively during lessons. This includes the ability to share content directly to students’ screens and minimize distractions. By connecting directly to their students’ accounts, teachers can push educational materials such as workbooks, videos, presentations, or quizzes directly to their screens.
New Chromebook Devices
Google is also announcing the release of more than 12 new Chromebook, Chromebook Plus, and Chromebook OPS devices designed for front-of-classroom displays. Although a specific launch timeframe has not been provided, the list of upcoming devices includes the recently announced Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14. This expansion underscores Google’s commitment to providing educators and students with the latest technology to enhance the learning experience.
Standardization of Gemini for Education
With the introduction of these new features, Google is standardizing Gemini for Education as the default tier for its base-level education accounts. This standard tier offers Gemini 2.5 Pro AI models with higher limits compared to base-level consumer accounts. Existing Gemini Education and Gemini Education Premium add-ons will be unified under the Google AI Pro for Education umbrella, simplifying the access to advanced AI tools for educators.
Conclusion
The rollout of these new features and tools by Google signifies a significant enhancement in the educational capabilities of its Classroom software suite. By providing educators with powerful AI tools, expanded access to research and note-taking capabilities, and improved classroom management features, Google is poised to make a positive impact on the learning experience for students worldwide. As technology continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how these innovations shape the future of education.
