Gemini in the Classroom: AI Tools Mean Nothing If Staff Aren't Trained to Use Them.

Google has just rolled out Gemini across Google Workspace for Education—embedding over 30 powerful AI tools into the platforms teachers already use daily: Docs, Slides, Gmail, Classroom, and more.

It’s secure, privacy-conscious, and best of all, free. But let’s be honest: many educators struggles to maximise the potential of existing technologies in schools. How can all staff benefit from the technological leap AI is offering.

Without the right training in prompt writing, most staff will only scratch the surface of what Gemini can do. And in many cases be disasppointed in in the results they get.

Gemini for schools now allows

Educators now have access to:

• Lesson planning tools that scaffold, differentiate, and adjust for level and need

• Smart summarising of email threads, notes, and documents

• Visual and audio supports via NotebookLM

• Gems—Google’s version of custom GPTs, built from your own materials

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This is a leap forward. But its value depends on how well staff understand how to guide the AI with clarity, structure, and intent.

Why Prompt Training Matters More Than Ever

AI responds to input. Vague prompts produce vague results. Skilled prompting, on the other hand, lets teachers:

• Save time without sacrificing quality

• Build inclusive, trauma-informed, and SEND-friendly outputs

• Get better, more usable responses the first time

At Taught AI, I use the RISEN model (Role, Instruction, Steps, Examples, Next STeps) to help educators write smarter prompts that reflect their curriculum and values.

Why Prompt Training Is a Worthwhile Investment

You’re already paying staff to plan, differentiate, and communicate. Now there’s a tool that can do all three—faster and smarter. But only if used well.

Training staff to prompt effectively:

• Cuts planning time significantly

• Boosts confidence and capability

• Reduces AI misuse or misalignment

• Enables safer, more consistent use across your setting

A confident teacher can generate a scaffolded lesson, a safeguarding-aligned parent email, and a revision quiz in under 10 minutes. That’s real value.

A question for everyone in the education sector...

The Tools Are Here—Are We Ready to Use Them?

Gemini gives us the functionality. But teachers give it purpose.

Now is the time to train and empower staff—not just to use AI, but to lead with it. With the right support, this isn’t just an efficiency upgrade. It’s a step toward a more inclusive, responsive, and future-ready education system.