Google Announces Classroom Updates, New Tools for Chromebooks

Google has introduced a variety of features across its products for education, announced recently at the 2025 BETT ed tech event in London. Among the additions are enhancements to Google Classroom and new tools for Chromebooks, "designed to help address the diverse needs of students around the world," Google said in a blog post.

New features for Google Classroom include:

  • The ability to generate tailored vocabulary lists using Google's Gemini AI chatbot. Educators can use the tool to create custom word lists for defined grade levels and topics, complete with definitions, parts of speech, and examples.
  • Four new add-ons accessible within Classroom: FigJam (collaborative online whiteboards for discussions, brainstorming, or group work), Education Perfect (curriculum-aligned activities), Discovery Education (real-world content and multi-modal instruction), and Autodesk Tinkercad (3D design, electronics, and coding).
  • The ability to define student groups, allowing educators to differentiate assignments and assign grades based on each group's needs.
  • A shareable Classwork link to keep students' guardians informed on assignments.

And for Chromebooks:

  • New "Class tools" provide real-time control and student engagement features for managed Chromebooks. Educators can connect with students' individual Chromebooks in order to share content directly to students' screens, check their progress, turn on live captions or translations, and more.
  • A new "Face Control" feature enables users to control their cursor through head movements and perform various actions using facial gestures.
  • Forthcoming Chromebook and Chromebook Plus devices include the Acer Chromebook Spin 511 and Lenovo Chromebook Duet EDU G2, built for younger learners, the Asus CR1204CTA and HP Fortis G1i 14 Chromebook, designed for older grades, and the new Lenovo Chromebook Plus 2-in-1, for educators.

For a full overview of these and other updates, visit the Google blog.

About the Author

Rhea Kelly is editor in chief for Campus Technology, THE Journal, and Spaces4Learning. She can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • DreamBox Math

    Discovery Education Announces Accessibility Enhancements for DreamBox Math

    Discovery Education has updated DreamBox Math, an online math program for K–8 students to supplement core instruction, to improve accessibility for K–5 students, according to a news release. DreamBox Math provides personalized instruction by adapting to individual learners’ responses and providing an engaging, dynamic learning environment.

  • stylized illustration of a modern laptop on a classroom desk, displaying a digital AI certification

    Partnership Brings AI Credentialing Product to Minecraft Education Platform

    Prodigy Learning and Minecraft Education have partnered to bring credentialing in AI skills to the Minecraft learning environment. "AI Ready Skills" is the third learning, assessment, and credentialing product from the two companies.

  • metallic padlock with a glowing keyhole, set on a dark gradient background with a faint digital grid and blue-green highlights

    Microsoft Announces Security Updates

    Microsoft has introduced a handful of new security tools and updates, which the company said adhere to its Secure Future Initiative, a set of three core tenets emphasizing "secure by design, secure by default and secure operations."

  • abstract circuit patterns, featuring small icons of coins and dollar symbols in blue, green, and gold tones

    Report: 90% of Schools Depend on E-rate Funding Every Year

    A new report from Funds for Learning highlights the critical role of the Federal Communications Commission's E-rate program in funding essential technologies and services for K-12 schools.