What’s new?
Last year, Google made Gemini in Classroom available to all Google Workspace for Education editions with features to help educators create content and resources through one central destination in Classroom.
Educators can now generate and share audio lessons to help students engage more deeply with instructional content and support various learning modalities. Educators will be able to customise the target grade, topic, and learning objectives to ensure the content is a customised companion to other aspects of the topic they are teaching. They’ll also be able to specify the type of audio discussion, like the number of speakers, and aspects of conversation such as whether it’s in an interview or conversational style.
Where can I find this feature?
Audio Lessons can be found via the Gemini left hand navigation menu item within Google Classroom. See screenshot below,
Video Overview: Generating a Podcast Style Audio Lesson
Audio lesson example,
Benefits
By shifting some lessons from screens to speakers, you’re not just changing the medium; you’re changing the learning environment. Here are the primary benefits:
The “Screen-Free” Advantage
Podcasts allow students to step away from digital screens while still engaging with the material.
- Mobility: Students can listen while commuting, exercising, or doing chores.
- Reduced Friction: It’s much easier to hit “play” on a 10-minute audio clip than to sit down and read a 5-page PDF.
Accessibility
Not every student processes information best through reading.
- Support for Diverse Learners: Audio lessons are a lifeline for students with dyslexia, visual impairments, or those who struggle with heavy text-based processing.
- Language Acquisition: For English as an additional language students, hearing the cadence, tone, and pronunciation of academic language can be far more effective than seeing it on a page.
Integration with Google Classroom Features
Google Classroom makes the logistics surprisingly smooth.
- Streamlined Feedback: You can attach a Google Form quiz directly below the audio file to check for understanding immediately.
- Organised Archiving: Use the Topics feature to create a “Podcast Series” category, making it easy for students to find and review content before exams.
