Google Apps for Education – Innovative Coaching

Google Updates: October 2026

kcannonOctober 1, 2026October 1, 2026

October 2026 Partner Spotlight: Google x ISTE/ASCD

Two education powerhouses are teaming up this month! Google and ISTE/ASCD are hosting joint events in October, and we’ve rounded up the top sessions every K-12 educator in our community needs to see.

Thank you so much for participating in the Google AI Educator Series Badge-a-thon: Day of AI Learning on Saturday, September 19, 2026! Over 4,000 educators across the country attended the 10-hour virtual learning festival. Whether you dropped in for a single 30-minute block or stayed to earn multiple ISTE-aligned digital badges live, your dedication to bringing safe, effective AI into classrooms is incredible! ICYMI, recordings of the sessions will be available soon. There are currently 30 GES badges you can earn at your own pace.

Format: Each 15-minute module ends with a short 4-question quiz to earn the corresponding digital badge.
Cost: 100% free through Google for Education.
Ongoing Releases: Google releases new sessions and badges regularly on the Google Educator Certifications hub. The next release will be October 7. Join the Google for Education Impact Team this October for their latest AI Educator Series release! Register now to learn, grow, and earn your newest microcredentials!
Wed, October 7, 2026
11:00 AM - 11:30 AM MDT
Save your spot here: https://rsvp.withgoogle.com/events/google-ai-educator-series-october-content-drop
When taking the quizzes, check the following two boxes and enter "12151" in the "Other" box!

Opportunities to Deepen Your Skills This Month

From expert-led webinars to meetups with fellow educators, there are so many great opportunities to join ISTE/ASCD and Google for peer learning! Here are the top three sessions recommended for you this month.

Sign up here to save your seat: https://communityeventsisteascd.my.canva.site/iste-ascd-october-2026-community-events-digest

Google News- March 2026: Make Your Workspace Sparkle

kcannonMarch 1, 2026July 21, 2026

Gemini Integration in Google Tools
Gemini has officially been integrated into our district Workspace accounts. Keep an eye out for the sparkle icon in your Docs, Sheets, and Slides and more—Gemini ready to help you write, analyze, and design.

Lyria 3
Google recently unveiled Lyria 3, its newest music generation tool now available within Gemini for teacher use. This powerful model enables educators to compose original music and lyrics on the fly, making it easier than ever to integrate UDL principles into the classroom through customized, multi-sensory learning materials.

Google News- January 2026

kcannonJanuary 5, 2026July 21, 2026

Google News- January 2026
Generate Slide Presentations in the Gemini App

Google recently introduced the ability to create slide presentations in Gemini through the Canvas tool. Provide an idea with a text prompt or upload a source, and Gemini will generate a set of slides — complete with a theme and relevant images. Then, export the presentation from the Gemini app directly to Google Slides to continue to refine or collaborate with others.Open the Gemini app, select “Canvas” in the toolbar, and ask Gemini to “create a presentation.” You can specify a topic or upload your own source with the prompt.Bonus- you can use Gemini to translate the same slides into different languages! For more information, read more on the Google Workspace Updates Blog. Google Workspace Updates: Generate presentations in the Gemini app

Common Questions About Google’s Class Tools

kcannonSeptember 15, 2025July 21, 2026

As we begin exploring Google's Class Tools, we've noticed that many of the same questions come up. To help you get started, we've compiled a list of the most common questions from teachers and administrators across our district.

Class Tools FAQ's by kelli.cannon

Chromebooks for Educators

Also, Google has released a brand new course to help teachers learn more about Chromebooks and Class Tools. In this course, you will learn to use a Chromebook to facilitate a day of learning, create engaging content for students, and streamline classroom management with Class tools. At the end of this course, you will be prepared to use built-in Chromebook features to design and deliver powerful instructional experiences for your students.