Gemini Summer?

Dan Fitzpatrick offers a short summary of the big news out of ISTE - Google Ed is getting Gemini:

At the heart of the rollout is Google’s Gemini AI, now fully integrated across its ecosystem for education. No longer gated behind premium subscriptions or experimental rollouts, Gemini is now baked into Google Workspace for Education at no cost. That means millions of teachers and students now have direct access to one of the most advanced AI models in the world, with higher usage caps than what’s offered to average consumers.

This integration will extend into Google Classroom with a new Gemini tab "offering over 30 education-specific tools designed to streamline and enrich teaching." Besides being a possible deathknell to great tools like Brisk or even Magic School, this integration will put AI front and center to thousands of teachers who avoided it previously. Gallup and the Walton Family Foundation just released their survey showing that only 32% of teachers use AI at least weekly and 40% still aren't using it all. With a Gemini tab - this now becomes much harder.

Other announcements include the introduction of NotebookLM to students, the creation of Gems (great name) or customizable chatbots, adding Google Vids to Education, and expanding hardware monitoring and tools.

Two of these announcements are huge as I become more concerned about the privacy implications. First, Google "reiterated that it won't use educational account data to train its modes." This is key as AI companies search for big data sources to power the fifth generation of models but if this promise holds it could present a break in this space.

Second, the idea of a "focus" mode for chromebooks - although not AI related - will be a big step forward for teachers to use in the classroom. Outside apps and tools could help with this, but having a native, built-in feature is a step forward for classroom management, including:

Real-time student screen sharing, helping teachers track focus or showcase work.

A “Focus mode” that locks devices to specific tabs or apps, reducing distractions and helping younger students navigate with ease.

Google Ed continues its success in providing free or low cost support at schools in order to capture market share for future adult users. This is a trade many of schools (including my own) would make.