Google Workspace for K-12

  • Students at a computer

Background

New York State has been a leader in protecting student data, and our region has been at the forefront of effectively implementing Ed Law 2-d. In March 2025, Google Add-On services will be disabled for students in New York State because these services do not comply with Ed Law 2-d. This includes applications such as YouTube, Translate, Google Earth, CS First, and many others available in the Admin console. Teachers and administrators will still have full access to these add-on services and can use them with students in a whole-group setting if they choose.

This site provides the technical and instructional information that leaders and educators need to navigate the Google digital ecosystem with students while remaining compliant. Please check back frequently for updates.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Mary Lynn Collins-Callanan, Manager of Instructional Technology, or Raheela Baig, Coordinator of Data Privacy Services.

Resources for Support

Leaders- Google Core & Additional Resource Hub- If you are seeking information about what our NYS agreement covers and what it excludes, need a memo to share with faculty and staff regarding the changes in working with add-ons, or have any general questions about this process, this RIC leadership site is designed for you.

Teachers - Model Schools Additional Services Instructional Resource hub- Staff developers and instructional technology coaches should share these resources with teachers. Check back often for updates, and visit the FAQs for helpful answers.

Google Workspace Updates

 

Gemini App and NotebookLM Are Now Core Services for All Google Workspace for Education Editions!

Gemini app and NotebookLM, AI-powered Google Workspace Core Services, are expanding to support all ages.

  • The Gemini app, previously available only to Google Workspace for Education users age 13 or older (or the applicable age in your country), is now available for all ages
  • NotebookLM, currently available only to Google Workspace for Education users age 18 or older, will become available for all ages in the coming months

If you do not opt out by August 1, 2025, Gemini and NotebookLM will be turned ON at the top-level organizational unit for existing customers.

After the opt out period, we’ll send a follow-up communication to let you know that the service changes are complete. You can turn these services OFF in the Admin console at any time and can always manage which users, groups, or organizational units can access these services in your domain.

We’ve provided additional information below to guide you through this update.

What this means for your organization

AI can be a valuable tool for learning and creativity, which is why we are making Gemini and NotebookLM available to all Google Workspace for Education users. Gemini incorporates LearnLM, our family of models fine-tuned for learning and built with experts in education, making it the world’s leading model for learning.

Your Google Workspace for Education users will be able to use the Gemini app (gemini.google.com and the mobile app) and NotebookLM (notebooklm.google.com and the mobile app) to:

  • Create lesson plans and extra study materials
  • Receive in-the-moment support to deepen understanding of class material
  • Get feedback on their work and check their understanding

A distinct experience for younger learners (students under 18)

  • Stricter Gemini and NotebookLM policies limit potentially inappropriate or harmful responses.
  • A special youth-oriented Gemini onboarding experience with AI literacy resources endorsed by ConnectSafely and Family Online Safety Institute helps younger students use AI responsibly.
  • The first time a user asks Gemini a fact-based question, a double-check response feature runs automatically, powered by Google Search. Users can employ this feature at any time to help validate Gemini’s responses.

What you need to do

Manage access to Gemini and NotebookLM

  • By August 1, 2025:
    • Opt out in the Admin console by a Super admin or Services admin associated with your domain if you do not want Gemini app and/or NotebookLM turned ON at the top-level organizational unit for existing customers
    • If you do not opt out and have configured Gemini or NotebookLM OFF for other organization units, Gemini or NotebookLM will remain OFF for users in those organizational units.
    • If you opt out, your existing Gemini app and NotebookLM settings will not change. Users with access to the Gemini app and/or NotebookLM will continue to have access and those who don’t will continue to not have access.

Important: If the Gemini app or NotebookLM are turned ON for your domain, you remain in control and can turn these services OFF in the Admin console at any time.

Admins remain in control and can easily:

Help your users get ready to use Gemini and NotebookLM

See the Quickstart Guide to Gemini and NotebookLM for Education Admins to help you and your users get the most out of these tools.

Some helpful reminders:

  • AI tools, including Gemini and NotebookLM, can make mistakes. So, help your users think critically about Gemini responses.
  • Show users how to double-check responses in Gemini.
  • Remind your users that Gemini and NotebookLM aren’t human. Even though a model or app sometimes talks like a person, they do not possess independent thoughts or emotions. Our filters limit access to inappropriate content, but they’re not perfect. Minimize this risk by steering your users to the topics covered in class.