How Google’s Use of Gemini AI is Transforming EdTech

The education technology market has transformed since 2020, when remote learning requirements accelerated digital adoption in schools.

Now, the integration of AI into education has emerged as a critical challenge and opportunity for schools worldwide.

As a result, education institutions face pressure to prepare students for an AI-enabled future while maintaining safeguards around technology use.

This has led tech companies to focus on providing platforms that combine device management, learning tools and AI capabilities.

For instance, Microsoft has expanded its Teams for Education platform while Apple has updated its classroom management systems and now, Google, which holds a substantial portion of the education device market through its Chromebook programme, has launched AI updates to its education platform.

Google Gemini enters classroom competition 

Google has introduced Google Vids, a video creation application for teachers and students, positioning itself against established education video platforms Screencastify and Loom.

The system includes NotebookLM, a tool that processes documents to generate teaching materials such as lesson plans and study guides.

"Educators can access Gemini in Vids to create polished videos with the help of AI, generate vocabulary lists directly in Google Classroom and save more time on repetitive tasks with Gems in Gemini Advanced," says Shantanu Sinha, Vice President of Google for Education in a blogpost.

Thomas Kurian, Chief Executive Officer of Google Cloud, adds in a blogpost: "We're also seeing major boosts in productivity through Gemini for Google Workspace, with customers saving an average of 105 minutes per user, per week, according to our recent study of enterprise customers."

Chromebook Plus extends Google hardware presence

The company has developed Class Tools, features for Chromebook laptops used with Google Workspace for Education Plus, the company's premium education offering.

This system enables remote screen monitoring and content sharing across devices.

The platform also includes translation capabilities for captions and content filters to prevent inappropriate responses to younger users and cross-references information with Google Search for accuracy verification.

Additionally, the Workspace for Education platform now includes additional features such as an upgraded Read Along function in Classroom, providing expanded resources and analytics for educators.

The system offers pre-designed presentation templates to reduce preparation time.

Furthermore, Google's hardware updates include new Chromebook models and the Chromebox OPS, a device that converts interactive displays into ChromeOS devices - Google's operating system that runs web-based applications.

Meanwhile, the Chromebook Plus, a premium version of Google's laptop line, includes AI-powered features accessed through dedicated keyboard shortcuts which includes Help me write and Help me read functions.

Security measures target school IT requirements

The company has also implemented controls for IT administrators to manage third-party applications, digital signatures and Google Forms, its survey creation tool.

These features respond to concerns about online safety in education.

New policies in Google's Admin console - a web-based management interface - also regulate student device usage outside school hours and manage data transfer when students graduate.

Focus on accessibility and early education

Google’s new accessibility features include face control, which enables device control through facial movements, reading mode, which removes visual distractions from web content and a focus mode blocks distractions and integrates creation tools such as the Recorder application.

The platform also includes handwriting fonts designed for early education markets which complements existing accessibility tools across Google's education products.

Google Classroom has additionally received new grouping features for differentiated assignments, allowing teachers to customise work for different student groups.

"We're integrating Gemini capabilities like the Gemini app and NotebookLM into existing learning management systems, making it easier than ever for educators and students to teach and learn with AI," says Shantanu.

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