Edventures in Tech

Andrew and Dan cover six new Google updates for teachers, then dig into an article on what happens when AI does students’ thinking for them.

In the Weekly Windup: Gemini can now edit an entire Google Slides deck with one prompt. Custom avatars in Google Vids (rollout paused as of Nov 3). Guided Learning you can add to any Google Classroom assignment, with a teacher view of student conversations. Omni 1.2 Flash for 15-second video clips in Vids. Gemini insights in Google Forms, so an exit ticket can shape tomorrow’s lesson. And skills in Google Workspace, for users 18 and up.

Then A.J. Juliani’s article “The most dangerous thing AI does to learning.” It describes a study where students who practiced with AI and no guardrails did better in practice but scored 17% lower on the exam. Andrew and Dan talk about why banning AI isn’t the answer, and why guardrails and the order of tasks matter.

Read A.J. Juliani’s article: https://ajjuliani.beehiiv.com/p/the-most-dangerous-thing-ai-does-to-learning

Follow @ANikolaTech and share this episode with a colleague: https://bit.ly/ListenEdTech

Happy Halloween season from Edventures in Tech! In Episode #76, hosts Andrew Nikola and Dan are handing out a bag full of EdTech "treats" with zero tricks.

This week, Andrew and Dan deliver a full, practical roundup of all the newest updates across the Google Workspace ecosystem and Gemini AI. From time-saving classroom hacks and AI workflow upgrades to hidden features you can use right away, this episode serves as your quick-guide to staying ahead without the overwhelm.

In this milestone Episode #75 of Edventures in Tech, co-hosts Andrew Nikola and Dan dive into the iconic educational philosophy behind Shift Happens and explore what it truly means in today's rapidly changing tech ecosystem. Centered on the guiding principle: “Our job is not to prepare students for something; our job is to help students learn to prepare themselves for anything,” Andrew and Dan share practical strategies for educators to foster adaptability and lifelong learning.

They also break down the latest breaking news across Google Workspace and creative suites—including Gemini Notebook enhancements, Google Gems evolving into AI skills, Google Vids, and the Canva ProSuite expansion.

How much technology is too much?

In this episode of EdVentures in Tech, we explore AI in education, educational technology, and the growing debate over student screen time and plugged vs. unplugged learning.

Inspired by conversations from the NYS education technology conference, we take a closer look at what it really means to use technology with purpose. When does technology enhance learning? When should students put the devices away? And how can educators balance digital learning with hands-on experiences, collaboration, creativity, and meaningful human connection?

The conversation goes beyond simply asking whether students are spending "too much time on screens." Instead, we look at what students are actually doing with technology and whether those experiences are helping them think, create, communicate, collaborate, and learn.

We also discuss the latest EdTech news and trends, including the continued impact of AI in education and the changing role technology plays in teaching and learning.

• Plugged vs. unplugged learning

• The debate surrounding student screen time

• When technology enhances learning—and when it becomes a distraction

• Balancing digital learning with offline and hands-on experiences

• Intentional use of instructional technology

• AI's evolving role in education

• Current EdTech news and trends

• Takeaways from the NYS education technology conference

• How educators can make thoughtful decisions about when students should be plugged in—or unplugged

Technology isn't automatically good—or bad—for learning.

The question is whether we're using it intentionally.

"Learning with instructional technology should be intentional."

The goal isn't to choose between a completely plugged-in or completely unplugged classroom. It's about knowing when technology adds value—and when it doesn't.

Because the best technology integration isn't about using more technology.

It's about using technology with purpose.

This episode is for teachers, administrators, technology coaches, instructional coaches, higher education professionals, IT staff, parents, students, education leaders, and anyone interested in AI, educational technology, and the future of learning.

🎙️ EdVentures in Tech — Exploring the people, ideas, tools, and conversations shaping the future of education.

Thanks for listening to Episode #73 of the EDventUres in Tech Podcast.

This episode dives into the latest updates across Google Workspace, AI-powered creativity tools, and a critical reflection on professional development in education.

We kick things off with exciting advancements in Google Vids, now featuring custom music generation powered by Lyria 3 and Lyria 3 Pro—making it easier than ever to create polished, original video content. Creators can now also export Google Vids directly to YouTube, streamlining the production process from creation to publishing.

On the AI front, Google continues to expand both access and functionality. The Gemini app is now available on Mac, while NotebookLM receives major upgrades for Education Plus and Teaching & Learning users—enhancing research, synthesis, and classroom application. Users can also generate longer musical tracks within Gemini, opening new possibilities for creative projects.

A key part of the conversation focused on Gems—custom AI assistants—and how to set them up for success. The discussion highlighted the importance of clear prompting, defining specific roles or outcomes, and designing Gems with intentional structure so they are actually useful in classroom and professional workflows—not just novelty tools.

In communication updates, Google Meet is now available through Apple CarPlay, increasing flexibility for users on the go.

The episode wraps with a thought-provoking segment from Matt M, exploring why traditional tech professional development often falls short—and how to redesign PD to be more meaningful, relevant, and actionable for educators.

• AI-powered creativity tools (like Google Vids + Lyria) are becoming more practical and classroom-ready
• Gemini and NotebookLM updates continue to expand research and productivity capabilities
• Well-designed Gems = better outcomes → clarity, purpose, and structure matter
• Seamless workflows are improving (Vids to YouTube, Meet on CarPlay)Effective tech PD must prioritize real-world application, teacher voice, and sustainability

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠EDventUres in Tech Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Once again, thank you for all your support in listening on all platforms and leaving us a review. If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please reach out.

Tech Hard again. Work smart. Live an EDventUre.

Thanks for listening to Episode #72 of the EDventUres in Tech Podcast.

In this episode of EDventUres in Tech, OpenAI just dropped GPT-5.4, and the 'Thinking' mode is changing the game for complex logic. But is it enough to pull you away from a Google Workspace that now thinks alongside you? Today, we’re pitting ChatGPT’s raw reasoning against the seamless flow of Gemini 3. From GPT’s new unified Google Drive connector to Gemini’s 'Co-Editor' in Docs... we’re helping you pick your anchor. This is Episode 72: Pick Your Player!

If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by information, lesson planning, or keeping up with tech, this episode is your shortcut.

We break down:

• What’s new with Google and why it matters for education

• Battle of the Chat Bots

Whether you're an educator, tech enthusiast, or just looking to work smarter—not harder—this is one episode you don’t want to miss.

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠EDventUres in Tech Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Once again, thank you for all your support in listening on all platforms and leaving us a review. If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please reach out.

Tech Hard again. Work smart. Live an EDventUre.

Thanks for listening to Episode #71 of the EDventUres in Tech Podcast.

In this episode of EDventUres in Tech, we’re diving into the latest Google updates that are quietly transforming the way educators and professionals work—and the powerful AI tool you didn’t know you needed: NotebookLM.

If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by information, lesson planning, or keeping up with tech, this episode is your shortcut.

We break down:

• What’s new with Google and why it matters for education

• How NotebookLM works (and why it feels like your personal AI assistant)

• Real ways to save time, stay organized, and boost productivity

• Why this tool might become your new “best friend” in work and life

Whether you're an educator, tech enthusiast, or just looking to work smarter—not harder—this is one episode you don’t want to miss.

🎯 Tune in and discover the AI advantage you’ve been waiting for.

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠EDventUres in Tech Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Once again, thank you for all your support in listening on all platforms and leaving us a review. If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please reach out.

Tech Hard again. Work smart. Live an EDventUre.

Thanks for listening to Episode #70 of the EDventUres in Tech Podcast.

In this podcast episode, we are back and better than ever! Andrew & Dan are back live at NYSCATE 2025 with Erin from Securly! Lots to unpack here on how Securly is keeping students safe!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠EDventUres in Tech Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Once again, thank you for all your support in listening on all platforms and leaving us a review. If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please reach out.

Tech Hard again. Work smart. Live an EDventUre.

Thanks for listening to Episode #69 of the EDventUres in Tech Podcast.

In this podcast episode, we are back and better than ever! Andrew & Dan are back live at NYSCATE 2025 with Eric from Boxlight! Lots to unpack here, and be sure to stop by the Bluum booth, check out the modern classroom and more!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠EDventUres in Tech Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Once again, thank you for all your support in listening on all platforms and leaving us a review. If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please reach out.

Tech Hard again. Work smart. Live an EDventUre.

Thanks for listening to Episode #68 of the EDventUres in Tech Podcast.

In this podcast episode, we are back and better than ever! Andrew & Dan are back live at NYSCATE 2025 with Joe & Omar from Bluum! Lots to unpack here, and be sure to stop by the Bluum booth, check out the modern classroom and podcasting equipment!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠EDventUres in Tech Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Once again, thank you for all your support in listening on all platforms and leaving us a review. If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please reach out.

Tech Hard. Work smart. Live an EDventUre.