Google expands Gemini and NotebookLM for education as AI tools move deeper into classrooms

Updates across Gemini, NotebookLM, and Google Cloud point to growing use of AI in teaching, assessment, and research environments.

Google has announced a series of updates to its AI education tools, including Gemini, NotebookLM, and Google Cloud offerings, as institutions increase use of AI across teaching, learning, and research.

The updates, shared during the ASU+GSV Summit and Internet2 Community Exchange, focus on AI literacy training, expanded classroom tools, and new research partnerships, highlighting how AI is becoming embedded across the education lifecycle.

AI training and research partnerships expand

Google says it is rolling out free AI literacy training to 6 million K–12 and higher education educators in the US through a partnership with ISTE+ASCD.

The training will form part of the Google AI for Education Accelerator and includes career certificates, AI training modules, and access to Google’s AI tools. Content is scheduled to launch on May 13, 2026, with additional modules released monthly.

Alongside this, Google has launched a research affiliate program with Purdue University, University of Alabama, and University of California, Riverside.

The initiative provides access to AI infrastructure, including optimized hardware and early access to advanced models, alongside collaboration with Google teams. The company positions this as a way to increase research capacity while reducing costs.

Classroom tools extend into assessment and learning workflows

Google has expanded access to NotebookLM for educators and students using Education Plus or Teaching and Learning add-ons, doubling limits on notebooks, sources, and generated outputs.

The update allows for more structured use of AI in study workflows, including quizzes, flashcards, and audio summaries, supporting self-paced learning without system limits becoming a constraint.

Gemini is also being integrated more directly into teaching environments. It is now available as an AI provider within Moodle, enabling functions such as summarization and image generation within existing course structures.

From May, Gemini tools will also be accessible through Moodle via LTI integration, allowing educators to assign AI-supported tasks directly within the platform.

Google has also expanded test preparation capabilities within Gemini, adding NEET exam preparation alongside existing SAT and JEE Main content, developed with partners including The Princeton Review, Physics Wallah, and Careers360.

Data portability extended beyond graduation

Google is extending its data transfer tools to include Google Photos, allowing students to move images, videos, and albums from institutional accounts to personal accounts when leaving an organization.

The feature will be available through Google Takeout Transfer from May and builds on existing options to transfer Drive and Gmail content.

Later in the year, Google plans to introduce additional admin tools to track data migration and manage storage, giving institutions more visibility over account usage after students graduate.

The update addresses a practical gap in how student data is handled post-graduation, as institutions continue to manage storage limits and account access at scale.