Google expands Gemini and NotebookLM for education as AI tools move deeper into classrooms
Google is rolling out a series of updates to its AI tools for schools and universities, making it easier for educators to integrate artificial intelligence into teaching, assessment, and research. The announcements come as institutions increasingly adopt AI across their operations.
Free AI training for millions of educators
Google will offer free AI literacy training to 6 million K-12 and higher education educators in the US through a partnership with ISTE+ASCD. The training launches May 13, 2026, with new modules released monthly.
The program includes career certificates, AI training modules, and access to Google's AI tools as part of the Google AI for Education Accelerator. Educators can use these resources to build their own AI skills before bringing them into the classroom.
Research partnerships reduce costs for universities
Google launched a research affiliate program with Purdue University, University of Alabama, and University of California, Riverside. Participating institutions gain access to optimized hardware and early versions of advanced AI models.
The program aims to increase research capacity while cutting costs for universities. Researchers also collaborate directly with Google teams on projects.
NotebookLM and Gemini expand classroom use
Google doubled the limits on notebooks, sources, and generated outputs for NotebookLM users with Education Plus or Teaching and Learning add-ons. The tool now supports quizzes, flashcards, and audio summaries for self-paced learning.
Gemini is now available as an AI provider within Moodle, the widely used learning management system. Starting in May, educators can assign AI-supported tasks directly in Moodle through LTI integration, which allows Gemini to connect with existing course structures.
Google also expanded test preparation within Gemini to include NEET exam prep alongside existing SAT and JEE Main content, developed with partners including The Princeton Review and Physics Wallah.
Student data portability extends to photos
Google is adding Google Photos to its data transfer tools, allowing students to move images, videos, and albums from institutional accounts to personal accounts after graduation. The feature launches in May through Google Takeout Transfer.
This builds on existing options to transfer Drive and Gmail content. Later in the year, Google plans to release admin tools to help institutions track data migration and manage storage after students leave.
For more on AI for Education and AI Research Courses, explore relevant training resources.
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