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Hi Reader!

Over the past month I’ve been able to visit a half-dozen different schools across the US sharing tips and ideas for using AI in the classroom. While there are a LOT of AI tools available, there’s one that I think is at the top of the list: Google Gemini.

This month I’d like to share some neat and surprising things you can do with Gemini, AND help you earn your Gemini educator certification!

🎙️Listen to the podcast episode! 🎧

Gemini has become my go-to AI tool. It’s fast, flexible, safe, and free! Using Gemini with your school account means you get advanced features AND data privacy that’s not included with a lot of other applications (looking at you ChatGPT!).

If you haven’t used Gemini recently, take another look...there have been a LOT of update and several new features specifically designed for the classroom. Here are some of my favorite features and ideas...

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1. Upload files from Drive - Need to create a quiz based on a Google Slide presentation? Want a discussion prompt based on a PDF for your textbook? Upload it to Gemini and ask!

2. Connect with other Google tools - Type the @ symbol in a Gemini chat to connect with other Google Workspace tools like Keep, Calendar, and Gmail. I recently uploaded a PDF of sporting events and said “@calendar please add these events to my calendar.” What a time saver! Note: This feature is controlled by your IT admin. If it doesn’t work, it may be disabled.

3. Ask a question with a photo - Add the Gemini app to your mobile phone to take a photo and ask a question. Want to talk with a student about the book they are reading? Snap a photo of the book cover and ask for a summary!

4. Guided Learning - this is the default experience for students, providing learning support, without directly completing assignments. You can post this link in Google Classroom to point your student to guided learning.

Want to dive deep into the use of AI in the classroom? Join me each Wednesday starting Oct. 8 for a webinar on a variety of topics including: ✨ Simplify lesson planning with AI (Oct. 29) ❇️ The best AI tools for teachers in 2025 (Nov. 12) 💎 Coaching student writing in the age of AI (Dec. 3) ⚡ Grading with Gemini: instant feedback, less time (Jan. 7) These are just a few of the 30 sessions I have planned for this year! There's something for everyone: elementary, high school, math, ELA, special education, and more! Details: Date: Wednesdays starting October 8, 2025 Time: on-demand (watch when it is convenient) Earn up to 30 continuing education credits! Cost: $99 for the entire year! ​View a sample session​ Sign up today! Want to signup your entire district? Bulk discounts are available!

5. Edit with Canvas - Canvas is an interactive space within Gemini that allows you to write, code, and create in a single place. It’s a LOT easier to edit and refine a response in canvas, making it ideal for newsletters, blog posts, and lesson plans. Try it out!​

6. Image Creation - Gemini has gotten a LOT better at image creation the latest update is incredible! Have you gotten your 80’s makeover yet?

7. Create content with Google Classroom - did you know that you can access Gemini from inside Google Classroom? Look for the Gemini tab on the left navigation menu (ask your IT department if you don’t see it). You can create rubrics, stories, quizzes and more! Take a look!

8. Custom Gems - A gem is a custom AI assistant trained by you! You can create gems for all kinds of things from evaluating student discussion responses, planning thematic units, creating match assignments and more! You can now share your gems with students and colleagues making them even more useful!

9. Deep Research - Want to get in-depth knowledge on a topic? Let Gemini research and summarize the information for you! Once you have your research report you can generate an audio summary.

10. Audio summaries - Prefer to listen rather than read? Gemini will generate a podcast summary of your deep research report. You can download this MP3 file and share it with your students as well! Here’s an example of what it sounds like.

🥇 NEW Gemini Certification

Earlier this month Google introduced the Gemini Educator Certification. This exam tests your knowledge of Gemini, NotebookLM, and AI pedagogy through 35 multiple choice and matching questions. The exam is free until January 1, 2026.

I successfully passed the exam earlier this month and put together a short study guide based on my experience. I’ve included links to various resources you can use to prepare for the exam.

If you are interested in a guided exploration of all things AI, join me for Wednesday Webinars starting in October. This year I will be offering a wide range of AI-themed sessions to help you adapt and adjust to the new tools available for the classroom.

John R. Sowash

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