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Google Announces Gemini-Powered Enhancements for Children at ISTE 2024

Highlights

Gemini AI chatbot to be available for teen students in 100+ countries
Google Classroom tests AI integration for lesson planning and content creation
New Read Along feature to improve reading skills with real-time AI support
Chrome and ChromeOS updates to enhance accessibility and educational tools

In a significant move to enhance its educational offerings, Google has announced a suite of new features for students and educators at the ISTE 2024 education conference.

Google’s AI chatbot, Gemini, is set to become available to teen students in over 100 countries using Workspace for Education accounts.

The company assures that extra data protection measures will be implemented for all education users at no additional cost.

This global rollout is expected to take place over the coming months.

Every teacher and student deserves to have access to meaningful educational experiences and AI is helping us make that possible,” Google for Education vice president Shantanu Sinha writes. “As part of our commitment to make AI broadly accessible, we’re providing a variety of tools for educators and learners to use in the classroom.

Google Classroom Gets AI Boost

Google said the Gemini chatbot will be fine-tuned for students

Google Classroom is currently testing Gemini integration to assist educators with lesson planning and content creation.

Additionally, a new feature called Read Along is being introduced to help younger students improve their reading skills with AI-powered real-time support.

Educators will have access to a vast library of over 800 books from providers like Heggerty and ReadWorks, allowing them to assign reading activities based on Lexile measure, grade level, or phonics skills.

Google’s Gemini AI tech will be available to teen students across 100 countries soon

The system will provide insights on reading accuracy, speed, and comprehension.

In a future update, teachers will be able to generate personalized stories tailored to individual student needs.

Read Along in Google Classroom will initially be available globally in English, with plans to expand to other languages, starting with Spanish.

Chrome and ChromeOS Enhancements

Google will not use chat data from student accounts to train AI models

Desktop Chrome is adding a Read Aloud feature to its Reading Mode side panel, offering multiple voices and playback speeds ranging from 0.5x to 4x.

Users will have control over line-by-line highlights and navigation between sentences.

ChromeOS is also receiving updates, with the Files app now including augmented image labels to assist screen readers.

Google Classroom assignments will be integrated into the shelf calendar, a feature set to roll out in the coming weeks.

Accessibility and Third-Party Integration

Gemini chatbot for students will also get a Learning Coach that will assist them with homework

Google has announced that later this year, ChromeOS users will be able to control their devices using facial expressions and head movements, enhancing accessibility.

Furthermore, Google Meet and Assignments will be made available in third-party learning management systems from Canvas and PowerSchool Schoology Learning, broadening their reach in educational institutions.

Google is also launching the Read Along in Classroom feature globally

FAQs

What is the Gemini AI chatbot?

The Gemini AI chatbot is a new tool from Google, set to assist teen students in over 100 countries using Workspace for Education accounts, with added data protection measures.

How will Google Classroom integrate AI?

Google Classroom will test Gemini integration to help educators with lesson planning and content creation, aiming to streamline and enhance the teaching process.

What is the Read Along feature in Google Classroom?

Read Along is an AI-powered feature designed to help younger students improve their reading skills with real-time support and access to a library of over 800 books.

What new accessibility features are coming to Chrome and ChromeOS?

Chrome will introduce a Read Aloud feature with adjustable playback speeds, while ChromeOS will add augmented image labels for screen readers and facial expression controls for device navigation.

Will Google Meet and Assignments be available in other platforms?

Yes, Google Meet and Assignments will be integrated into third-party learning management systems like Canvas and PowerSchool Schoology Learning later this year.

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