A Smarter Future for Teaching and Learning (Notebook LM)

Artificial Intelligence is no longer a far-off concept for science fiction; it’s an active and growing force in classrooms across the country. As educators, WE are always looking for better ways to meet students’ needs, differentiate instruction, and manage our ever-growing to-do lists. Google is answering that call with a robust and expanding suite of AI tools designed specifically for educators and students. These tools don’t replace good teaching—they support it. When used responsibly, they save time, enhance learning, and open new doors to creativity and personalized education.

At the forefront of Google’s AI push is Gemini, a powerful generative AI model that integrates directly into Google Workspace. With Gemini Education and Gemini Education Premium add-ons, educators can access AI tools that help them write, organize, and plan more effectively. These add-ons are available to qualifying educational institutions and are protected by strong privacy policies. Chats through Gemini are not used to train AI or shared with third parties, and the tools can be turned on or off by school IT administrators. Importantly, students ages 13 and up can access Gemini through school accounts, allowing them to benefit from AI-powered learning with appropriate safeguards in place.

One of the most exciting developments is Google’s LearnLM model, a family of AI tools built on Gemini and fine-tuned specifically for education. LearnLM is already powering features across Google Search, YouTube, and new tools like Circle to Search. These features help students rephrase confusing material, interact more meaningfully with videos, and develop deeper understanding. Rather than simply retrieving information, LearnLM is designed to stimulate curiosity and critical thinking.

Another standout tool is NotebookLM, a research assistant that allows teachers and administrators to upload documents—such as district policies, lesson plans, or curriculum guides—and ask direct questions about the content. In Chicago Public Schools, NotebookLM has already proven helpful in unpacking complex financial and policy documents. For teachers, it’s like having a personal assistant who understands your school’s documentation and can give you quick, accurate answers without endless searching.

Google is also launching Read Along in Classroom, an AI-powered reading support tool. Students read aloud and receive real-time feedback from the system, helping build fluency and confidence. Educators get access to phonics dashboards and personalized story generation based on individual student needs, making early literacy instruction more effective and engaging.

One of the most anticipated additions is Google Vids—a collaborative video creation platform soon to be integrated into Google Classroom. Students will be able to plan, record, and edit video projects with ease. Initially released without generative AI features, the full version with AI enhancements will be available through the Gemini for Google Workspace add-on. This opens new doors for student voice and creative assessment, while also offering teachers an easy way to create engaging video lessons.

In classrooms across the country, teachers are already using Google AI tools to transform their practice. In Miami-Dade, educators use Gemini to create quizzes, answer keys, and study guides. In Ottawa, teachers create personalized learning pathways for students with special education needs or advanced learning goals. In Albuquerque, AI is helping educators write grants, design lessons, and reach multilingual learners more effectively.

These tools are not just helpful—they are versatile. Teachers are using them to translate materials into over 100 languages, generate vocabulary lists with definitions, brainstorm hooks for lessons, rewrite feedback to be clearer and more supportive, and even craft entire choice boards and differentiated activities. For students, tools like MagicSchool, Studyfetch, and LearnLM features on Google Search help them generate explainer videos, understand complex texts, or get help when a teacher isn’t immediately available.

Importantly, Google is not leaving educators to figure this all out on their own. The company offers a free course called Generative AI for Educators, built in partnership with MIT. This course teaches the basics of how generative AI works, how to write better prompts, how to critically evaluate AI-generated content, and how to integrate AI tools into the classroom responsibly. Google’s Be Internet Awesome initiative has also launched a new Media Literacy Handbook to help educators teach students to think critically about digital information in the AI age.

Of course, no AI tool is perfect. Google reminds educators that AI outputs should always be reviewed and refined before being used with students. Teachers are encouraged to treat AI-generated suggestions as starting points and to check all resources for accuracy, copyright compliance, and alignment with their school’s policies. Safeguarding student privacy and promoting ethical use are not optional—they are essential.

Looking ahead, even more tools are on the horizon. Google is developing a “learning coach” assistant, an AI called “Illuminate” to simplify research papers, and a multimodal teaching companion called “Learn About.” Chromebook Plus devices will soon include Gemini-powered features like writing support, AI-generated backgrounds, and reading aids, all designed to support student engagement and productivity.

In a world where time is short and demands are high, Google’s AI tools give educators a powerful way to work smarter—not harder. These tools don’t replace the heart of teaching. They enhance it. By integrating Google AI tools thoughtfully and responsibly, WE can personalize learning, save time, and offer students new ways to grow, explore, and succeed.

Click to listen to the Gemini Deep Dive audio overview from the Use of AI Tools and AI in Education research report.