Welcome Back!
To help with accessing the latest Glow guidance and news, we have pulled together this Back to School with Glow news page for May 2026.
This page has been divided into key areas including Microsoft, Google, Blogs, National Apps and Glow to hopefully make it easier to find useful information.
You will be able to find news items regarding:
Microsoft
Choose your 'Enter' key behaviour in Teams Chat Settings
Microsoft Teams introduces a new setting allowing users to choose whether pressing Enter sends a message or creates a new line, helping to avoid accidental message sends. Users can adjust this preference in Settings > Chats and channels, with contextual hints provided to reinforce the selected behaviour.
Modify Content in Teach
Modify Content, part of the Teach Module, uses AI-powered tools to help educators adapt existing materials. Users can upload files or text and apply changes such as aligning content to standards, differentiating instructions, adjusting reading levels, or adding examples. All suggested modifications can be reviewed before finalising, ensuring content remains accurate, relevant, and tailored.
Matching Game in Learning Activities and Teach Module
A new matching game in Microsoft Learning Activities allows learners to reinforce knowledge by pairing related concepts quickly. Key features include generating activities from existing learning content formats, custom game settings and the ability to enhance and adapt content.
Google Forms now have granular controls over who can respond
Google is updating all existing forms to include granular controls for response access, allowing creators to limit participation to specified users or groups. This upgrade won’t affect current access and will enable form creators to modify response permissions as needed. Admins will see logs reflecting these changes during the upgrade process.
Generate Podcast Style Lessons in Classroom
Google has integrated the Gemini feature into Google Classroom for all Education editions, enabling educators to create customizable audio lessons. These lessons enhance student engagement by catering to different learning styles and include options for specifying topics, grade levels, and conversation styles. Audio Lessons can be accessed via the Gemini menu in Classroom.
NotebookLM: Data Tables
Google has introduced Data Tables in NotebookLM to streamline the process of organising scattered information into structured formats. This feature allows users to synthesise complex research and export it to Google Sheets, enhancing productivity. Potential applications include study materials, misconception mapping, and vocabulary progression tables.
Google Vids
Google Vids is a user-friendly video creation and editing tool within Google Workspace. It helps educators and learners produce engaging video content, enhancing information retention and creativity. Features include stock media libraries, AI assistance, and accessibility options. Users can share videos via Google apps or download them as MP4 files.
Webinar Recordings from Google for Education
Google for Education is hosting webinars on AI tools like Glow Gemini and NotebookLM, aimed at enhancing classroom learning and saving time for educators. Sessions will cover beginner and advanced uses of these tools, along with opportunities for teacher certification in digital skills related to Gemini.
Learning Guide in Notebook LM
Google has launched a ‘Learning Guide’ feature in NotebookLM, designed to enhance user learning through open-ended questions that promote critical thinking and deeper understanding. This tool breaks down complex problems into manageable steps and adapts explanations based on individual learning needs, making it akin to having a personal tutor.
Glow Blogs
Glow Blogs Plugin Spotlight: Draw Attention
The Draw Attention plugin for WordPress enables users to create interactive image maps by adding clickable hotspot areas to images. Ideal for educational purposes, it allows teachers and learners to enhance content with annotated diagrams, interactive case studies, and school tours. The intuitive interface requires no technical skills and is mobile-friendly.
Retiring Blogs Themes
Glow Blogs is retiring three themes: Yoko, Agama, and Make, due to lack of developer support, to maintain platform security. Existing sites remain unaffected for now, though users are advised not to select these themes for new sites. Guidance will be provided before any changes are implemented.
How to: Create A School Site in Glow Blogs
Glow Blogs provides tools for creating both public-facing school websites and private school hubs. Public sites share information with the community, while private hubs offer secure access for staff and students. Creating a site requires no technical skills, with support and tutorials available for users seeking assistance.
Prompting Progress: Use Cases from Educators
The “Prompting Progress” initiative showcases how AI tools within Glow, specifically Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, and Adobe Express, are transforming Scottish education by personalising learning, streamlining workflows, and fostering creativity.
These examples below have been shared by Educators using this Form (Glow login required), so please do reach out to share how you are using these tools in your classroom.
Creating effective and engaging Scots Language resources
A primary school teacher utilised AI tools, such as Gemini and NotebookLM, to create engaging resources for Primary 4 pupils to write Scots language poems in remembrance of Robert Burns. The tools enhanced efficiency, adaptability, and student engagement, demonstrating their effectiveness in improving teaching practices and learning experiences.
Empowering creative digital learners
A teacher from Kirklandpark Primary School highlights the use of Adobe Express to empower students aged 9-12 in developing digital skills. Focusing on prompt crafting for AI image generation, students improved their digital literacy through hands-on projects, discussions on AI ethics, and collaborative learning, preparing them for a digital future.
AI Supporting Advanced Poetry Pedagogy
An English teacher utilised AI tools, Gemini and NotebookLM, to analyse and summarise Carol Ann Duffy’s poems, creating an engaging video revision guide that effectively highlights thematic connections for students.
Transforming Differentiation in a Modern Studies Classroom
The article discusses how a Modern Studies teacher utilises AI tools like Gemini and NotebookLM to enhance classroom differentiation. By creating tailored resources and simplifying complex concepts, the teacher improves accessibility for diverse learners, saving time and enhancing instructional strategies. The goal is to make differentiation sustainable and consistent for all students.
Professional Learning Community Spotlight
Check out our news post about the Libraries Professional Learning Community within Glow. The site contains a wealth of resources and information, all easy to access within this one dedicated site.
National School Libraries Professional Learning Community
The National School Libraries Professional Learning Community on Glow offers extensive resources for library provision in Scotland. It focuses on professional learning aligned with the Vibrant Libraries Thriving School Strategy, featuring key documents and online learning tools, including recorded webinars. Access these valuable resources to enhance library services.
Share your feedback
We’d be delighted to hear if you find this news update helpful or how you are using Glow in your school. Please do get in touch using our email address,
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