# Google Workspace AI for Education: Top Features to Use With Students in 2026 - Link: https://teachercast.net/edtech/google-workspace-ai-features-for-education/ - Published: 2025-12-27T11:04:51-05:00 - Author: Jeff Bradbury The 2025-2026 school year brought a wave of powerful AI-enhanced tools to Google Workspace for Education. These aren’t just shiny new features—they’re practical classroom tools designed to save you time, personalize learning, and unlock student creativity. Best of all? Most are **free for educators and students**. Now that 2026 is upon us, I am excited to share with you some of my favorite new features that can be used in your classroom with your students. If you are already using these, [I’d love to hear from you](https://teachercast.net/contact) and learn how you are exploring AI and Google Workspace in your classrooms. Let’s walk through the standout Google features you should try with your students this year. Table Of Contents 1. [Google Gemini for Education: Your AI Teaching Assistant](https://teachercast.net/edtech/google-workspace-ai-features-for-education/#google-gemini-for-education-your-ai-teaching-assistant) 2. [What Are Google Gems?](https://teachercast.net/edtech/google-workspace-ai-features-for-education/#what-are-google-gems) 3. [Creating Custom Gems: Build Your Own AI Experts](https://teachercast.net/edtech/google-workspace-ai-features-for-education/#creating-custom-gems-build-your-own-ai-experts) 4. [EduGems: Pre-Made Gems by Eric Curts](https://teachercast.net/edtech/google-workspace-ai-features-for-education/#edugems-pre-made-gems-by-eric-curts) 5. [NotebookLM: Your AI Research Assistant](https://teachercast.net/edtech/google-workspace-ai-features-for-education/#notebooklm-your-ai-research-assistant) 6. [Google Vids: Create Professional Video Content in Minutes](https://teachercast.net/edtech/google-workspace-ai-features-for-education/#google-vids-create-professional-video-content-in-minutes) 7. [Getting Started: Your Action Plan](https://teachercast.net/edtech/google-workspace-ai-features-for-education/#getting-started-your-action-plan) 8. [One Important Reminder](https://teachercast.net/edtech/google-workspace-ai-features-for-education/#one-important-reminder) 9. [Frequently Asked Questions](https://teachercast.net/edtech/google-workspace-ai-features-for-education/#frequently-asked-questions) 10. [Want to Learn More?](https://teachercast.net/edtech/google-workspace-ai-features-for-education/#want-to-learn-more) 11. [Don't Miss the Next EdTech Breakthrough](https://teachercast.net/edtech/google-workspace-ai-features-for-education/#dont-miss-the-next-edtech-breakthrough) ## Google Gemini for Education: Your AI Teaching Assistant [Google Gemini](https://gemini.google.com/) isn’t just another chatbot. It’s an [AI](https://teachercast.net/tag/artificial-intelligence/) assistant built directly into the Google apps you already use—Docs, Slides, Sheets, Gmail, and Classroom. No more copying and pasting between tabs. * **Why it matters:** Gemini 2.5 Pro incorporates LearnLM, making it the world’s leading model for learning. It’s purpose-built for education with enterprise- grade data protection. Your data isn’t reviewed or used to train AI models. * **Try this on Monday:** Ask Gemini to “Create a lesson plan on photosynthesis aligned to NGSS standards” or “Generate a 25-question multiple choice practice exam from this syllabus.” ### Key Features for K-12 Classrooms: **Deep Research** — Students can research complex topics and receive synthesized reports with sources and citations in minutes. Instead of spending hours searching, they get a comprehensive report they can then explore further. **Gemini Canvas** — Create quizzes, practice tests, study guides, and visual timelines in one interactive space. Go from blank slate to dynamic preview in minutes. Students can build interactive prototypes and code snippets without knowing how to code. **Gemini Live** — Students can talk through complex concepts, get real-time help, and even share their screen or camera for personalized feedback on problem sets. ## What Are Google Gems? Think of a Gem as a specialized AI assistant you create for a specific purpose. Instead of writing the same prompt over and over in Gemini, you build a Gem once with custom instructions, and it becomes your go-to expert for that task. **The difference:** Regular Gemini is a generalist. A Gem is a specialist. For example, instead of typing “Create a Jeopardy game about the water cycle for 5th grade” every time you need a review game, you create a “Jeopardy Game” Gem that already knows your grade level, subject area, and preferred format. Then you just give it the topic. ## Creating Custom Gems: Build Your Own AI Experts Once you’re comfortable with Gemini, [Google Gems](https://gemini.google/overview/gems/) let you create custom AI assistants tailored to your classroom needs. **How it works:** Give Gemini instructions, examples, and resources so it behaves exactly how you need it to. Upload unit plans, pacing guides, rubrics, or anchor texts so your Gem can reference them when creating content. **Teacher-facing Gems:** * **Lesson Plan Generator** — Aligned to your specific standards and teaching style * **Parent Communicator** — Drafts emails that match your tone and school policies * **Emergency Sub Plan** — Creates ready-to-go activities when you’re out sick * **Standards Unpacker** — Breaks down complex standards into teachable chunks **Student-facing Gems:** Create a Gem and share it with your class through Google Classroom. Students interact with your custom AI expert independently. * **AI Tutor** — Provides step-by-step help without giving away answers * **Writing Coach** — Gives feedback on essays and helps students revise * **Study Partner** — Creates practice questions from their notes * **Career Explorer** — Helps students research potential career paths ## EduGems: Pre-Made Gems by Eric Curts Don’t want to build Gems from scratch? Eric Curts (Control Alt Achieve) created [EduGems](https://www.edugems.ai/)—a growing library of **ready-to-use Gems** organized by category. **How to use EduGems:** 1. Visit [edugems.ai](http://edugems.ai) 2. Browse by category or search for what you need 3. Click any Gem to see details 4. Click “Use” to open it in Gemini, or “Copy” to customize it ### Popular EduGems for Students: * **[🧑‍🏫 AI Tutor](https://www.edugems.ai/gem/ai-tutor)** — Guides students through problems with questions, not answers. Great for homework help and independent practice. * [**🎭 Reader’s Theater** ](https://www.edugems.ai/gem/readers-theater)— Converts stories or historical events into scripts students can perform. Brings content to life through drama. * **[❓ Jeopardy Game](https://www.edugems.ai/gem/jeopardy-game)** — Creates Jeopardy- style review games on any topic. Perfect for test prep and engagement. * **[🤔 Student Brainstorming](https://www.edugems.ai/gem/student-brainstorming)**— Helps students generate and organize ideas for projects and writing assignments. * [**💼 Career Explorer** ](https://www.edugems.ai/gem/career-explorer)— Students explore career paths, learn about required education, and discover related occupations. ### Popular EduGems for Teachers: * **[📋 Lesson Plan](https://www.edugems.ai/gem/lesson-plan)** — Generates complete lesson plans with objectives, activities, and assessments. * **📦 [Standards Un](https://www.edugems.ai/gem/standards-unpacker)[p](https://www.edugems.ai/gem/standards-unpacker) [acker](https://www.edugems.ai/gem/standards-unpacker)** — Takes complex standards and breaks them into clear learning targets. * **🚨 [Emergency Sub Plan](https://www.edugems.ai/gem/emergency-sub-plan)** — Creates complete sub plans with activities, materials, and instructions. * **🔀 **[**Re-level Text** ](https://www.edugems.ai/gem/re-level-text)— Adjusts reading level of any text for differentiation. * **📊 [Assessment Data Analyzer](https://www.edugems.ai/gem/assessment-data-analyzer)**— Analyzes assessment results and suggests targeted interventions. ### EduGems Categories: * **Curriculum & Lesson Design** (13 Gems) — Lesson plans, unit plans, choice boards, station rotations * **Student Activities** (11 Gems) — Games, simulations, debates, interviews * **Assessment** (15 Gems) — Quizzes, rubrics, test prep, data analysis * **Support** (14 Gems) — Accommodations, scaffolds, behavior plans, social stories * **Literacy & Language** (6 Gems) — Decodable texts, discussion prompts, sentence starters * **Professional Tasks** (11 Gems) — Newsletters, recommendation letters, PD plans **Pro tip:** Start with EduGems to see how effective Gems work, then customize them for your specific needs. You can also submit your own Gems to be added to the collection. **Learn more:** Watch Eric Curts’ [complete Gems tutorial video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_l6_Uyn_Ac) or explore his AI resources at [controlaltachieve.com](http://controlaltachieve.com). ## NotebookLM: Your AI Research Assistant Teachers and students work with overwhelming amounts of information. [NotebookLM](https://notebooklm.google/) becomes an instant expert on whatever documents you upload. **What makes it special:** It grounds all responses in the specific documents you provide—no hallucinations, no random internet sources. **Features you’ll use:** * **Audio Overviews** — Turn lecture recordings, textbook chapters, or research papers into podcast-style audio summaries. Students can study anywhere—on the bus, at practice, during their commute. * **Document synthesis** — Upload PDFs, articles, unit plans, and curriculum resources. Ask questions and get answers pulled directly from your materials. Create summaries, study guides, and student-friendly resources instantly. * **Student independence** — Help students understand complex texts without constant teacher intervention. They can ask clarifying questions and get explanations grounded in their assigned readings. ## Google Vids: Create Professional Video Content in Minutes Student attention spans are shrinking, and teachers need tools to deliver content that sticks. [Google Vids](https://workspace.google.com/products/vids/) is Google’s answer: an AI-powered video creation tool that lives right in your Google Workspace. ### What Makes Google Vids Different? Think **Google Slides turned 90 degrees**—instead of slides arranged vertically, you work with scenes arranged horizontally. If you can use Google Slides, you can use Google Vids. But here’s the game-changer: it’s powered by Gemini AI. **The “Help me create” feature:** Type what you want to create (“Make a 3-minute tutorial on the water cycle for 5th grade”), and Google Vids generates a complete first draft in under 60 seconds—script, visuals, timing, transitions, and all. You customize from there instead of starting from scratch. ### Key Features Teachers Love: * **AI-Powered Creation** — Describe your video in a sentence, and Gemini builds the first draft for you. Add your own screenshots, adjust the timing, choose AI voice or record your own. * **Convert Slides to Videos** — Already have a Google Slides presentation? Import it into Vids and transform it into an engaging video with music, transitions, and narration in minutes. * **Stock Media Library** — Access thousands of royalty-free videos, images, music tracks, sound effects, GIFs, and stickers without leaving the platform. * **Professional Templates** — Start with beautifully designed templates for tutorials, announcements, student projects, and more. * **Real-Time Collaboration** — Work together on video projects just like you would in Google Docs. Perfect for group projects or co-planning with colleagues. * **Seamless Google Classroom Integration** — Assign videos as templates so each student gets their own copy. Review student work directly in Classroom and see their progress in real-time. ### For Teachers: Scale Your Impact Create professional development videos, flipped classroom content, and instructional materials in 20-30 minutes instead of 2-3 hours. **Practical use cases:** * **Tool tutorials** — Record once, share forever. Every new teacher gets instant access to training. * **Flipped lessons** — Create micro-lectures students watch at home, freeing up class time for hands-on work. * **Lab procedures** — Record safety demos and complex procedures students can review anytime. * **Personalized feedback** — Send quick video messages instead of lengthy written comments. * **Professional development** — Build a library of PD resources teachers can access on-demand. ### For Students: Voice, Choice, and Creativity Google Vids gives students an accessible way to demonstrate understanding without needing advanced tech skills. **Student projects:** * **Video essays** — Students explain their thinking, cite sources, and present arguments visually. * **Book reports** — Create “movie trailers” for novels or informational texts. * **Science demonstrations** — Record experiments with narration explaining the process. * **Digital portfolios** — Showcase learning growth throughout the year. * **Public service announcements** — Combine research with persuasive communication skills. **Scaffolding tip:** Start simple. Have students brainstorm in Google Keep, create a 3-slide presentation in Slides, import those slides into Vids, replace slides with video B-roll, add music and transitions. This progression teaches cross-tool workflows while building video literacy skills. ### Getting Started is Simple Access Google Vids at [vids.google.com](http://vids.google.com) or [vids.new](http://vids.new). No software to download, no complicated setup. **Three ways to start:** 1. **Record** — Easiest for screencasts and quick tutorials on Chromebooks 2. **Use templates** — Start with professional designs for various purposes 3. **“Help me create”** — Describe what you want and let AI build the first draft Videos save automatically to Google Drive. Share through Classroom, Drive links, or export as MP4 files. ### Why It Matters for K-12 Google Vids democratizes video creation. Students and teachers without technical expertise or expensive software can now create professional-looking content. This levels the playing field and opens doors for creativity that were previously closed. **Want the complete guide?** Check out these in-depth resources: * [Google Vids for Teachers: The AI Video Tool Every Instructional Coach Needs](https://teachercast.net/instructional-coaching/google-vids-for-teachers/)— What it is, how it works, and why it matters * [5 Ways Instructional Coaches Use Google Vids to Transform PD](https://teachercast.net/instructional-coaching/google-vids-cocaching-strategies/)— Real coaching scenarios and practical applications * [How to Create Your First PD Video with Google Vids](https://teachercast.net/instructional-coaching/google-vids-step-by-step/)— Step-by-step tutorial from opening the tool to sharing your video * [Unlocking the Power of Google Vids: A Game-Changer for Instructional Coaches](https://teachercast.net/instructional-coaching/geg-instructional-coaches-meeting-october-20-2025-google-vids/)— Comprehensive overview from a GEG Instructional Coaches session ## Getting Started: Your Action Plan **This week:** 1. Visit [gemini.google.com](http://gemini.google.com) with your school Google account 2. Ask it to create one lesson plan or assessment 3. Try Deep Research on a topic you’re teaching next week **This month:** 1. Create your first custom Gem for a unit you teach frequently 2. Have students upload their notes to NotebookLM and create an Audio Overview 3. Record one instructional video in Google Vids **This semester:** 1. Share the college student offer with your seniors 2. Build a library of custom Gems for different units 3. Let students create their own Gems as study partners 4. Assign a Google Vids project—have students create a 2-minute video explaining a concept, book report trailer, or science demonstration ## One Important Reminder With all these powerful AI tools at our fingertips, don’t forget that the most meaningful learning still happens through conversation, hands-on exploration, and human connection. Technology should enhance—not replace—the relationships and dialogue that make your classroom special. Use these tools to reclaim your time and energy so you can focus on what matters most: your students. ## Frequently Asked Questions **Do I need to pay for Google Gemini to use these features?** No. Google Gemini is free for all Google Workspace for Education users. The paid Gemini Advanced plan offers additional features like longer conversations and priority access, but the free version is powerful enough for most classroom needs. Students can also get Gemini Advanced free for one year with a valid .edu email address. **Can students use Google Gemini and these AI tools?** Yes, but with age restrictions. Students 13+ can use Gemini with their school Google accounts if their district has enabled it. Students 18+ can access Gemini Advanced for free with a .edu email. Google Vids, NotebookLM, and Gems are also available to students through Workspace for Education accounts, though your district controls access. **How do I know if my school district has enabled these AI features?** Try visiting [gemini.google.com](http://gemini.google.com) or [vids.google.com](http://vids.google.com) with your school Google account. If you can access them, your district has enabled the features. If not, contact your technology administrator or instructional technology coordinator to request access. Many districts are still evaluating AI policies, so your inquiry might help move that conversation forward. **Will Google Gemini replace me as a teacher?** No. These AI tools are designed to handle repetitive tasks—planning, formatting, creating first drafts—so you can focus on what only you can do: building relationships, facilitating discussions, and responding to individual student needs. Think of Gemini as a teaching assistant, not a replacement. **How do I prevent students from using AI to cheat?** Shift your assignments from “what can be Googled” to “what requires thinking.” Focus on process over product: have students show their work, explain their reasoning, and revise based on feedback. Use AI-generated content as a starting point for discussion rather than an end product. Teach students to use AI as a research and brainstorming tool, not a shortcut to avoid learning. **Are these tools accessible for students with disabilities?** Yes. Google Workspace tools are designed with accessibility in mind. Gemini can help create differentiated materials and accommodations. NotebookLM’s Audio Overviews provide auditory learning options. Google Vids supports captions and screen readers. However, always test tools with your specific students’ needs in mind and provide alternatives when necessary. **How much time does it really take to learn these tools?** You can start using Gemini productively in under 10 minutes. Google Vids takes about 30 minutes to create your first video. Custom Gems require 15-20 minutes to set up initially, but then save hours over time. NotebookLM has virtually no learning curve—just upload documents and start asking questions. Start with one tool, get comfortable, then expand. **What if the AI generates incorrect information?** AI tools can make mistakes (called “hallucinations”). Always review AI-generated content before using it with students. When using NotebookLM, the tool cites specific sources, making it easier to verify information. Teach students to fact-check AI responses and use multiple sources. Treat AI outputs as drafts that need human review, not final products. **Can I use these tools if my district blocks certain websites?** Google Workspace AI features are integrated into your existing Google account and typically aren’t blocked if you can access Google Docs, Slides, and Drive. However, some districts may specifically disable AI features. If you encounter access issues, request that your technology team enable “Gemini for Google Workspace” and “Additional Google Services” in your admin console. **How do these tools handle student data and privacy?** Google Workspace for Education accounts have strong privacy protections. Student data is not used to train AI models, and conversations are not shared with third parties. However, review your district’s AI acceptable use policy and teach students not to share personal information in AI prompts. For sensitive topics, consider using teacher accounts rather than student accounts. ## Want to Learn More? **Take a free course:** [Getting Started with Google AI](https://skillshop.exceedlms.com/student/path/1178011-gemini-education?locale=en) from Google for Education **Explore use cases:** [100+ ways to use Gemini in education](https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1MTyP-BBusYw2rHKE_lQ2QVDA7uT7ngYaGfBy9HypQdY/edit?slide=id.g35f029770b1_0_6660#slide=id.g35f029770b1_0_6660) **Deep dive:** Teaching Channel’s course [5381: Teaching with Google’s AI Tools](https://courses.teachingchannel.com/courses/dl/technology/Teaching-with-Googles-AI-Tools/5381) covers Gemini, NotebookLM, Google Vids, and image creation --- **Ready to try one of these features?** Pick just one from this list and test it this week. Reply and let me know which one you chose and how it went. * Jeff Bradbury, your digital learning coach 🎸 --- ## Don’t Miss the Next EdTech Breakthrough Google isn’t done innovating, and neither are dozens of other EdTech companies building tools specifically for K-12 educators. New features drop every month—some game-changers, some duds. I test them all so you don’t have to. **Join 20,000+ educators** who get my weekly [newsletter](https://teachercast.net/newsletter) with: ✅ Early access to tutorials on new classroom tech ✅ Honest reviews (I’ll tell you when something isn’t worth your time) ✅ Ready-to-steal lesson ideas and project templates ✅ Time-saving workflows that actually work in real classrooms No fluff. No vendor pitches. Just practical strategies from a teacher who’s actually using these tools with students. [**Subscribe to the TeacherCast Newsletter →**](https://teachercast.net/newsletter) ## Simplify Your Systems. Amplify Your Impact. 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