Google has once again made a strong move in the edtech field, introducing a major feature powered by Gemini to Google Classroom in early 2026: teachers can now convert dry text textbooks into podcast-style audio courses with one click. This innovative approach aims to leverage the high acceptance of podcasts among Generation Z, enhancing students' learning engagement and understanding depth.
Teachers simply need to enter a topic on the Gemini tab in Google Classroom to deeply customize the audio content, including setting grade levels, defining learning objectives, and even selecting different narrative styles such as interviews, roundtable discussions, or casual conversations. This feature is based on Google's latest large language model and speech synthesis technology, generating highly immersive audio streams that allow students to re-listen anytime to reinforce their knowledge, greatly promoting self-directed learning.
Currently, this tool is available to users subscribed to the Google Workspace Education Basic, Standard, and Plus editions. Although the podcast format is very popular - data shows that approximately 35 million Gen Z listeners in the United States listen to podcasts each month - teachers still have concerns when embracing AI transformation. In response, Google emphasized the principle of "responsible AI," urging teachers to review and edit AI-generated content to ensure accuracy and compliance with local teaching policies.
