At this year’s International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) conference, Google introduced a wave of updates to its Gemini AI suite, specifically tailored to meet the growing needs of educators and learners. These updates are part of Google’s broader effort to make artificial intelligence more accessible, secure, and effective within the education sector.

Gemini for Education: Purpose-Built for Classrooms

One of the most notable announcements is Gemini for Education, a dedicated version of Google’s Gemini app built on Gemini 2.5 Pro. This version is available as part of the Google Workspace for Education plan, at no additional cost and includes premium model access, higher usage limits, and enterprise-grade data protection. The solution is designed with the structure and safeguards that schools and institutions require, helping them adopt AI confidently and responsibly.

Gemini for Education is positioned to support both K–12 and higher education environments, blending interactivity with security. Admins can manage access directly from the Google Admin console, giving institutions full control over how the tool is used within their learning communities.

New Tools to Support Teachers and Enhance Learning

Google is expanding Gemini in Classroom to all Workspace for Education editions, enabling teachers to plan and differentiate lessons more efficiently. From generating vocabulary lists to creating AI-powered quizzes, the tools are designed to save time while enhancing instruction.

Educators using the Gemini app can now build and soon share their own custom AI assistants known as "Gems" to align with course materials. For example, some have already created interactive simulation guides tied to specific reading assignments. This kind of customization offers new ways to keep students engaged.

NotebookLM, another tool gaining popularity in academic circles, now supports Audio Overviews and will soon roll out Video Overviews automatically turning educational content into digestible, student-friendly media. In tandem, Google Forms will integrate Gemini to auto-generate surveys, quizzes, and even analyze responses using existing Docs, Slides, or PDFs from Google Drive.

Helping Students Learn with Confidence

Students aged 18 and older can now use Gemini Canvas to create personalized quizzes across subjects, supporting self-paced study and exam prep. Younger students will gain access in the coming weeks. Additionally, interactive diagrams and visuals are being introduced into Gemini responses to help explain complex topics.

Teachers will soon be able to assign NotebookLM resources or custom Gems directly through Google Classroom, with support also coming to platforms like Schoology Learning and Canvas.

These tools are built to complement not replace teacher-led instruction, encouraging a healthy balance between guided learning and AI-assisted exploration.

Built with Safety and Trust in Mind

Recognizing the importance of safe AI integration in education, Google has implemented strict content filters and supervisory controls for younger users. For students under 18, both Gemini and NotebookLM will operate under enhanced policies, shaped in consultation with child safety experts and learning scientists.

Crucially, Google has committed to not using student interactions to train AI models, reinforcing its stance on privacy. Schools can monitor activity through usage reports and Vault search, helping maintain transparency and accountability.

Gemini in Google Workspace for Education has also been awarded the Common Sense Media Privacy Seal, giving administrators added assurance about the platform's commitment to student data protection.