We’re back at it! My five kids are all back to school and I’m still adjusting to the new schedules and routines of the school year. I’m sure you are as well.
Every month I try to summarize a few important updates and share some new tools and resources you can use in your classroom. Let’s see what’s happening for the month of September!
Episode Sponsor: VIZOR
VIZOR provides Chromebook 1:1 Management Software for Schools. Get 20% off your first year when you schedule a no-obligation demo.
10 important updates and links for September 2024
1. Added data protection for Gemini – All EDU users can now use Google Gemini with added data protections. This means that your search history won’t be used for training or system improvements. This feature is available to everyone at no additional cost.
2. AI Training for Teachers & Students – Google has a free course to help teachers use AI for everyday tasks and a new course for MS students who want to explore AI.
3. Enhance your Gemini experience with Gems – Google has introduced “Gems,” customizable AI bots, to Gemini. This custom experience will remember your instructions to give you tailored results. This feature requires the Gemini for Workspace license.
4. Great new study features for NotebookLM – I have been really impressed with this AI powered learning tool. A recent update added AI generated audio summaries that can help you interact with learning material. This is a great resource for students who struggle with written text. Listen below for an AI generated summary of The Great Gatsby.
5. Google Docs has tabs! – this cool new feature for Google docs lets you organize a “notebook” of information. This feature isn’t fully available, but if you make a copy of my demo, you can get an early sneak peak!
6. Student groups for Google Classroom – this much requested feature is only available for EDU plus districts, but don’t worry, there is a work-around that anyone can use!
8. RIP Jamboard. (3 alternatives) – Jamboard will officially enter the Google Graveyard on October 1. I recommend you convert your activities using FigJam, but there are a few other options you can consider as well.
9. GenType – my friend Jeremy Badiner discovered a super fun website called “Gentype” that uses AI to generate custom fonts using everyday objects. It’s really fun!
10. Gear Sketch – this is a fun, simple web app for experimenting with gears. Thanks to Brad Dale (Time to Talk Tech) for sharing his discovery!
Stay informed!
Staying up to date on the latest changes to Google Workspace and your favorite edTech tools is challenging…let me help! My free monthly email newsletter will help you stay on top of the latest tools, trends, and resources. Impress your teacher friends and stay on the cutting edge of technology!
Reader Interactions