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The Google EDU Update

πŸ“¨ Google Admin Weekly: Introduce your staff to Gemini

Published 5 months agoΒ β€’Β 2 min read

Hello Reader,

Google’s AI integrations have been rapidly changing and evolving. Keeping up with these updates has been seriously difficult, even for me. In this quick email I’m going to try to clarify things for you as best I can.

✨ FREE AI Features

Staff and students have access to two core AI tools through their school account: Gemini and NotebookLM. Both of these applications can be managed through the admin console and are FREE for all Workspace customers.

Gemini for Google Workspace:

  • ​Data privacy protections​
  • Access to the most advanced model (2.5 pro)
  • Higher image creation limits (100/day)
  • Students <18 receive access to a special version of Gemini called "guided learning."

NotebookLM:

  • ​Data privacy protections​
  • Create and share notebooks within your domain
  • Share notebooks via Google Classroom (coming soon)

πŸ’° Google AI Pro for Education

Power users who are developing complex AI integrations can upgrade to Google AI pro for Education. This premium subscription ($20/user/month) includes many advanced features:

  • Direct Gemini integration in Gmail, Drive, Calendar, etc
  • Enhance AI features for Google Meet (transcription, translation, automated summaries, etc)
  • Higher usage limits and context windows
  • AI video generation
  • Advanced creative options for Google Slides and Google Vids
  • Scheduled AI actions (Agents)

πŸ’¬ I upgraded my workspace account to Google AI Pro and can report that it is good, but not essential. Only the most experienced user will be able to fully appreciate these advanced features.

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  • ⚑ Automatically assign Chromebooks with a barcode scaner
  • πŸ”‚ Identify Chromebooks that students have swapped
  • ⬆️ Track devices updates to ensure compliance with state testing requirements
  • ❌ Automatically disable lost, stolen, or overdue Chromebooks
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Learn more about VIZOR for Chromebooks!​

What can we do with Gemini and NotebookLM?

The applications for Gemini are endless! Imagination and creativity are your only limits! Here are some of my favorite applications:

  • Use Gemini to create a quiz or rubric directly in Google Classroom
  • Create a custom Gem to develop custom lesson plans
  • Use NotebookLM to generate study guides and flashcards
  • Summarize information with audio summaries
  • Get quick answers from complex policy documents using NotebookLM
  • Code review games with Gemini (no coding required!)
video preview​

AI Training for Teachers

Generative AI tools like Gemini and NotebookLM can SAVE TIME and open up creative new ideas for your teachers. There are a variety of free training resources available for educators, including a new certification program.

Looking for a more personal experience? I offer a variety of Gemini training options for schools and districts:

I’d love to help your teachers use AI in thoughtful ways. Click reply or get in touch if I can help!

Upcoming Events for Google Admins

Want to host a Google Admin workshop in your area? Get in touch!

Regards,

John R. Sowash

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John Sowash is a former teacher and an "accidental" Google Administrator. For more than a decade John has been helping schools use technology in meaningful ways. John lives in Michigan with his wife and five kids.

​Google Admin Bootcamp | Chromebook Academy | Google Admin Audit​

3606 Woodridge Dr. , Howell, Michigan 48843
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The Google EDU Update

by John Sowash

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