Google has introduced an innovative method to engage students who are avid podcast listeners. This new tool, powered by Gemini, is now available within Google Classroom, enabling educators to generate podcast-style audio lessons that help students grasp instructional content more thoroughly.

To operate the tool, educators simply need to access the Gemini tab inside Google Classroom, where they can select from various customization options, such as choosing the appropriate grade level, specifying the lesson topic, and setting clear learning objectives. Furthermore, they can personalize the audio experience by selecting the number of speakers for the podcast or choosing from different conversational formats, including interviews, roundtable discussions, and casual chats.

Currently, this new feature is only accessible to users subscribed to the Google Workspace for Education Fundamentals, Standard, and Plus tiers.

Integrating this familiar format into the classroom can help teachers better stimulate student interest in learning. Research indicates that students dedicate a significant amount of time to podcasts—estimates suggest there are as many as 35 million monthly podcast listeners from Generation Z in the United States alone.

Moreover, the popularity of podcasts as educational resources is rapidly climbing: many universities now produce their own podcasts, and students are increasingly willing to seek out popular educational podcast series during their free time. Podcast-style lessons also facilitate self-directed learning, as students can replay the audio whenever they need to review concepts or catch up on missed classes.

However, educators are still exploring how to effectively integrate AI tools into their daily teaching practices. Many teachers express concern that students might become overly reliant on generative AI tools like ChatGPT for completing assignments.

In response, Google urges educators to adopt a responsible approach to using AI technology, emphasizing the need to carefully review all AI-generated content and make necessary modifications to ensure accuracy, relevance to the classroom context, and compliance with local policy requirements.

Google Classroom's Gemini was first launched in 2024, and Google has since continued to add new features. Just last June, the tool received a significant update that introduced capabilities to help teachers brainstorm ideas, develop lesson plans, and create personalized teaching materials for students.