Gemini has become my go-to AI tool. It’s fast, flexible, safe, and free! Using Gemini with your school account means you get enhanced access AND data privacy that’s not included with a lot of other applications (looking at you ChatGPT!).
If you haven’t used Gemini recently, take another look…there have been a LOT of updates and several new features specifically designed for the classroom.
Here are some helpful and creative ways you can use Google Gemini in your classroom!
Use existing drive files to create new content
Need to create a quiz based off of a Google Slide presentation? Want a discussion prompt based on a PDF for your textbook? Upload it to Gemini and ask!
Connect Gemini with other Google tools
Type the @ symbol in a Gemini chat to connect with other Google Workspace tools like Keep, Calendar, and Gmail. I recently uploaded a PDF of sporting events and said “@calendar please add these events to my calendar.” What a time saver!
Note: This feature is controlled by your IT admin. If it doesn’t work, it may be disabled.
Ask a question with a photo
Add the Gemini app to your mobile phone to take a photo and ask a question. Want to talk with a student about the book they are reading? Snap a photo of the book cover and ask for a summary!
Guided Learning
Guided Learning is the default experience for students. This special AI mode will provide learning support, without directly completing assignments. Guided learning is is a Socratic-style tool that asks questions rather than providing direct answers.
Here’s what a conversation would look like if a student tried to get Gemini to write a paper for them:
Gemini Canvas
Canvas is an interactive space within Gemini that allows you to write, code, and create in a single place. It’s a LOT easier to edit and refine a response in canvas, making it ideal for newsletters, blog posts, and lesson plans.
To get started, click on “canvas” in the tools menu when using Gemini.
Gemini has gotten a LOT better at image creation the latest update is incredible! Have you gotten your 80’s makeover yet?
Create content for Google Classroom
Did you know that you can access Gemini from inside Google Classroom? Look for the Gemini tab on the left navigation menu (ask your IT department if you don’t see it). You can create rubrics, stories, quizzes and more!
Save time by creating custom gems
A gem is a custom AI assistant trained by you! You can create gems for all kinds of things from evaluating student discussion responses, planning thematic units, creating match assignments and more! You can now share your gems with students and colleagues making them even more useful!
Generate comprehensive research reports with deep research
Want to get in-depth knowledge on a topic? Let Gemini research and summarize the information for you! Once you have your research report you can generate an audio summary.
Listen to your deep research with an audio summaries
Prefer to listen rather than read? Gemini will generate a podcast summary of your deep research report. You can download this MP3 file and share it with your students as well! Here’s an example of what it sounds like.
You can also generate infographics, quizzes, and web pages based on your deep research report.
NEW Gemini Certification
Earlier this month Google introduced the Gemini Educator Certification. This exam tests your knowledge of Gemini, NotebookLM, and AI pedagogy through 35 multiple choice and matching questions. The exam is free until January 1, 2026.
I successfully passed the exam earlier this month and put together a short study guide based on my experience. I’ve included links to various resources you can use to prepare for the exam.
If you are interested in a guided exploration of all things AI, join me for Wednesday Webinars starting in October. This year I will be offering a wide range of AI-themed sessions to help you adapt and adjust to the new tools available for the classroom.
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