MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. — A group of K-12 educators gathered on Google’s campus to explore artificial intelligence in the classroom. They considered the potential resistance from colleagues, envisioning a skeptical veteran English teacher lamenting AI as ‘another shiny tech fad.’ To address this, they sought advice from Gemini, Google’s AI assistant, to develop a strategy to highlight AI’s benefits.

These educators planned to illustrate how AI can simplify tasks, such as generating classroom materials for phonics lessons in just minutes. The key, they determined, was avoiding confrontations and addressing concerns directly. They hoped teachers would appreciate AI’s efficiency, saying, ‘Well, it’s not cursive, but it did save me an hour of typing tonight.’

This session was part of a two-day training hosted by Google for 70 teachers and school technology directors interested in AI integration. The Google Educator Series represents the company’s growing focus on AI in education. Attendees reported their colleagues back home were ‘cautiously curious’ about AI.

The training advised addressing resistance by identifying ‘pain points’ and showing how Google’s tools, including Gemini and NotebookLM, could help. Winston Roberts, director of an AI initiative at ISTE+ASCD, emphasized that AI tools should reduce teachers’ workloads rather than add new challenges.

The training reflected growing public skepticism toward AI, prompted by calls for regulation from figures such as Pope Leo XIV and criticisms from various groups. Despite this, AI’s presence in education is expanding; some states now mandate AI instruction, and universities invest in chatbots.

Jennie Magiera, global head of education impact at Google, noted in an interview that AI use will continue to grow. She expressed a desire for teachers to ‘harness the power’ of AI effectively. Many teachers appreciated the training, preferring guidance over navigating AI independently. Karen Compton, a middle school English teacher, noted AI’s growing influence and emphasized the importance of responsible integration.

Google introduced free online training modules for K-12 educators in May, covering lesson planning and student analysis to help streamline classroom duties. Joseph South, chief innovation officer for ISTE+ASCD, reiterated that ignoring or banning AI isn’t a solution; instead, preparing for its role is essential.

Google has provided educational product training for over a decade, aiming to establish a ‘pipeline of future users.’ Chromebooks have become dominant in schools, with AI playing an increasing role. Internal documents revealed Google’s long-standing focus on using data to enhance learning.

Magiera explained that her ultimate goal during the training was to demonstrate AI’s transformative potential for educators. While acknowledging challenges, she emphasized the importance of equipping teachers with the necessary training to leverage AI as a tool for improvement.

Speakers underscored the necessity for human involvement alongside AI usage, advocating for technology to support rather than replace teachers. For instance, educators are encouraged to use AI in creative classroom projects or support discussions, as demonstrated by teacher Casey Cuny.

Leaving Google’s headquarters, educators faced the task of promoting AI in their schools. Despite resistance from parents and groups opposing AI, participants like Mike Amante felt prepared to show its benefits for learning, stressing that change is inevitable, regardless of opposition.