Yesterday I attended the Google Education Discovery Day at Google Central St Giles. A big thank you to Andrew Caffrey, Shelanna Sturgess, Fiona Law, and Luke Craig for their time and insights. The event brought together educators eager to explore the latest developments of using AI in education with Google’s educational and AI digital tools.

This was a fantastic opportunity for me to build on the knowledge and learning I have experienced over the last 6 months explore AI in education, and in particular help me to understand the difference between cloud and local LLMs.

Personal Highlights from the Day

Dynamic Notebooks with Google Docs

One of the standout ideas presented was the innovative use of Google Docs as a source for notebooks in NotebookLM. This approach ensures that any updates made to the document automatically reflect in the notebook. It’s a brilliant way to keep notes current and also ensures that the source limit for each notebook is not exceeded. I am looking to implement this in using NotebookLM to support qualitative analysis of SEMH pupil data.

Web App Development Using Canvas in Gemini

Another exciting takeaway was the potential of using Canvas in Gemini to create code for web applications, which can then be deployed on Google Sites. This method not only simplifies the development process but also encourages creativity in building functional web apps . A noteworthy tip shared during the session was to encourage administrators to enable settings that restrict Google Sites to the school domain, enhancing privacy and data security.

Transforming Old Devices with ChromeOS Flex

A particularly exciting highlight was the introduction of ChromeOS Flex, which allows educators to convert old Windows and Mac devices into Chromebooks. This innovative solution breathes new life into outdated hardware, making it a cost-effective way for schools to provide students with reliable and efficient devices. The ability to repurpose existing equipment not only saves money but also promotes sustainability within educational settings.

Engaging Video Content Creation

Perhaps the most interesting approach discussed was the ability to transform a blog post or article into a video. By saving the content as a PDF and uploading it to Google Drive, educators can use the storyboard feature in Google Vids to create videos based on the blog post / article, complete with visuals, images, and even narration. The ability to record personal narration using the built-in teleprompter function adds an extra layer of engagement.

A Day to Remember

The Google Education Discovery Day was not just about learning new tools; it was also an opportunity to connect with fellow educators and share experiences. Many are using AI tools to for SEND and SEMH support. The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement as participants exchanged ideas and explored the potential of Google Workspace for Education.

For those who are new to Google or considering Google Workspace for Education for their school or trust, this event was a perfect introduction. Canopy organised an interactive day specifically for MAT leaders, Headteachers, IT/Digital Leads, and Senior Leadership Teams, making it a valuable experience for all attendees.

Moving Forward

As I reflect on the insights gained from the day, I am eager to implement these innovative ideas into my teaching practice. The possibilities that tools like Google Docs, Gemini, and Google Vids offer are truly exciting.

In the coming weeks, I plan to dive deeper into exploring these technologies and their applications in education and I look forward to sharing my journey with you all.