Google Classroom integrates Gemini AI to convert lessons into podcasts

Google has unveiled a new feature to engage students who are enthusiastic podcast listeners. Through Google Classroom, educators can now access a Gemini-powered tool that creates audio lessons in a podcast format, designed to enhance students' understanding of learning materials.

To get started, teachers navigate to the Gemini section within Google Classroom. There, they can customize the lesson by choosing the relevant grade level, outlining key topics, and establishing specific learning goals. The audio content can be further tailored by selecting the number of narrators and preferred conversational formats, such as interviews, panel discussions, or informal chats.

This new capability is currently accessible for subscribers of Google Workspace Education Fundamentals, Standard, and Plus.

By leveraging this popular medium, teachers can connect with students' existing interests. Studies indicate that students dedicate considerable time to podcasts, with roughly 35 million Gen Z listeners in the U.S. tuning in monthly.

Furthermore, podcasts have seen rapid growth as educational tools. Many higher education institutions now produce their own shows, and students actively seek out educational series in their free time. Audio lessons in a podcast style also support self-directed learning, as students can replay content for review or to catch up on missed classes.

Nevertheless, educators continue to face challenges in incorporating AI tools into their curricula. A common concern is students becoming overly dependent on generative AI, like ChatGPT, for completing schoolwork.

Google encourages educators to adopt responsible AI practices, advising them to thoroughly review and edit any AI-generated content to ensure it is accurate, appropriate, and aligns with their classroom needs and local guidelines.

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Secure your spot on the Disrupt 2026 waitlist to get priority access when Early Bird tickets are released. Previous Disrupt events have featured leaders from Google Cloud, Netflix, Microsoft, Box, Phia, a16z, ElevenLabs, Wayve, Hugging Face, Elad Gil, and Vinod Khosla on stage—joining over 250 top innovators leading 200+ sessions designed to accelerate your growth and competitive advantage. You'll also have the chance to connect with hundreds of startups driving innovation across all industries.

Gemini for Classroom was first introduced in 2024, and Google has consistently expanded its capabilities since launch. The most significant updates arrived in June of last year, introducing tools that assist teachers with brainstorming, lesson planning, and personalizing educational resources for their classes.