Back to School 2024 Google AI Features for Students Educators Parents and Guardians
3 min read
As the new school year approaches, the excitement mingles with a hint of stress for many. Navigating syllabi, decorating classrooms, or exploring a child’s campus can be overwhelming. Fortunately, new AI features aim to make this back-to-school season smoother for everyone involved.
Here’s a look at how these AI tools can assist students, educators, parents, and guardians in making the most of the upcoming academic year.
For Learners
New AI tools offer students innovative ways to ask questions, learn concepts, and engage with interactive practice. These features make learning more personal and effective.
For those 18 and older, school-issued accounts can now use Gemini with added privacy measures. This ensures data isn’t used to train AI models, making it a secure tool for both students and educators.
Older students can also benefit from the advanced capabilities of Gemini, such as uploading documents for tailored study guidance and getting responses from OpenStax textbooks.
YouTube’s new conversational AI tool allows students to ask questions and get explanations directly while watching educational videos. This transforms passive watching into an interactive learning experience.
NotebookLM helps students move from information gathering to insight generation by summarizing and allowing chat functionality. This makes complex material more digestible.
If students are stuck on a problem, Google Lens in the Google app can provide step-by-step help by taking a simple photo. This feature also allows for further exploration in a desktop setting without leaving the current tab.
AI Overviews in Search simplifies complex topics, enabling students to understand subjects quickly. They can ask broad questions and receive concise overviews with links for deeper exploration.
For Educators
Educators now have over 30 new AI-powered features in Google Workspace and Chromebooks at their disposal, designed to make teaching more personal and engaging.
Google Classroom has introduced new tools tailored to reading, product integration, and data-driven instruction, giving teachers enhanced capabilities to manage their classrooms effectively.
The ‘Gen AI for Educators’ course demystifies AI and helps teachers incorporate these tools into their daily tasks. This self-paced, two-hour course requires no prior AI experience.
Educators can personalize their AI experience with Gems, custom AI experts assisting with various tasks like lesson plans or differentiated activities for students.
AI and STEM education are emphasized, offering tips and resources for students to responsibly engage with AI. The CS First Toolkit aids in teaching computer science in an engaging way for grades 4-8.
The Back-to-School Guide offers tips for maximizing Google tools for engagement, collaboration, and classroom management. It includes advice on using Google Workspace, Chromebooks, and keeping parents informed.
Digital Skill Lessons collection provides foundational lessons to start the school year on the right foot, helping students manage their well-being, express themselves, and stay organized.
For Parents and Guardians
New features provide parents with better control over their children’s digital activities and empower them to use AI safely.
School time on smartwatches and other devices limits distractions during class. Parents can control device functionality, ensuring students stay focused on learning.
Gemini has additional safeguards and onboarding processes for teens, protecting them from inappropriate content. Parents can explore educational resources with their children to improve AI literacy.
The variety of Chromebook models makes them a versatile choice for a successful school year. Built-in AI features and easy management tools make them suitable for students, teachers, and parents alike.
As educational landscapes evolve, integrating advanced AI tools can significantly enhance the learning experience. These features not only simplify tasks but also make learning more engaging and personalized.
Students, educators, and parents can all benefit from these innovations, making the 2024 school year one of the best yet. Embrace these tools for a smoother, more productive academic journey.
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