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)

💰 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)

💬 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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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!)

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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.

• ​Generative AI for Educators (free general AI course from Google)
• ​Get started with Google AI in K12 Education (free course from Google)
• ​Gemini Educator Exam (free until Jan 1, 2026)

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

• ​Wednesday Webinar with John (updated AI sessions for 2026)
• ​John’s AI workshops (in-person or virtual)

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!

• ​Google Admin Bootcamp (Virtual): TODAY - Oct. 7, 2025
• ​Chromebook Academy (Virtual): Oct. 14-28, 2025
• ​Guiding Google (virtual): Oct, Nov, Dec, 2025 (via PNW BOCES)
• ​MASS CUE Conference (Massachusetts): Oct. 15-16, 2025
• ​MADES Conference (Michigan): Oct. 29-30, 2025

Learn more about this topic:

• ​Gemini usage limits and feature access for Education users​
• ​Generative AI in Google Workspace Privacy Hub​
• ​Intro to NotebookLM​
• ​Is Gemini worth it for educators in 2025? ​
• ​AI lesson planning with Gems from Gemini​