Textbooks to podcasts: Google turns lessons into podcasts with new Gemini classroom tool

For a generation of students who increasingly prefer listening to podcasts, Google has rolled out a new Gemini-powered feature that allows teachers to create podcast-style audio lessons for the classroom.

“Educators will be able to customize the target grade, topic, and learning objectives to ensure the content is a customized companion to other aspects of the topic they are teaching. They’ll also be able to specify the type of audio discussion, like the number of speakers, and aspects of conversation such as whether it’s in an interview or conversational style,” Google said in its blog.

How to use the tool


Teachers can access the feature by going to the Gemini tab in the navigation bar within Google Classroom.

Google has warned educators to carefully review AI-generated material before sharing it with students, as errors are possible. Users are advised to adjust content so it fits classroom needs and local policies.

Access to Gemini in Google Classroom is controlled by account administrators, and the tool is only available to users aged 18 and above, based on institutional settings.

Availability

The feature is currently open to users on Google Workspace Education Fundamentals, Standard and Plus plans. According to Google, a full rollout already began on January 6, 2026, with visibility expected within one to three days.

Podcast listening continues to rise among younger audiences. Industry data shows that 42% of Gen Z and Millennials’ global screen-free time is spent on podcasts, with 35 million Gen Z listeners each month in the US alone.

Despite this, many teachers are still cautious about using AI in education. Concerns remain around students becoming overly dependent on tools such as ChatGPT for completing schoolwork.

Gemini for Classroom was first launched in 2024, with Google steadily adding new capabilities. Recent updates have focused on helping teachers plan lessons, brainstorm ideas and tailor learning materials more effectively.