Google unveils new features for classrooms and online education

Google has unveiled a range of new features at the Bett ed-tech event in the UK, designed to enhance classroom management, accessibility, and AI-powered question creation. These features aim to improve the educational experience for both teachers and students.

About AI-powered features, Google is introducing a new capability that will allow teachers to receive suggestions for questions at different timestamps in YouTube videos for Classroom assignments. This AI-powered tool aims to make it easier for teachers to create engaging and interactive lessons. In addition, the Practice sets feature, which uses AI to generate answers and general hints, is now available in over 50 languages. This feature enables students to practice and reinforce their understanding of the material.

To improve accessibility, Google is introducing several features. Users can extract text from PDFs for screen readers on ChromeOS, making accessing content easier for visually impaired individuals. Additionally, the Chrome browser will allow users to highlight and have text read aloud, enhancing accessibility for those with reading difficulties. In Google Meet, closed captions will be available in 30 languages, making it easier for participants to follow conversations. Moreover, the ability to pin multiple hosts will improve virtual meetings’ collaborative and interactive nature.

Why does it matter?

Google’s latest features and updates for classroom management, accessibility, and AI-powered question creation aim to enhance the educational experience for teachers and students. With advanced AI capabilities, improved class management functionalities, enhanced accessibility features, and the introduction of new Chromebooks, Google aims to support effective and inclusive education.