In a groundbreaking move, Google has launched a free AI-powered school system through its Gemini platform, embedded within Workspace for Education. This initiative offers teachers access to intelligent tools that support student learning through real-time feedback, adaptive study guides, and interactive project assistance—all designed with strict privacy controls and administrative oversight.
Unlike other education tech solutions, this system isn’t just about automation—it’s about personalization. Gemini-powered AI can serve as a one-on-one mentor, guiding students through tasks like reading comprehension, science projects, revision plans, and even emotional regulation check-ins. Its potential for inclusive education—especially for students with special educational needs (SEN)—is unprecedented.
Personalized AI Mentorship for SEN Learners
This AI system can adapt to diverse student profiles, creating differentiated pathways for students who face cognitive, emotional, or learning challenges. For example:
- A student with ASD might receive simplified instructions and social scripting support.
- A child with dyslexia could access audio-based reading guides with phonics reinforcement.
- Learners with DLD may benefit from guided vocabulary prompts and repeated language models.
- Students with ADHD might engage with structured task lists and flexible pacing tools.
- Children with emotional regulation difficulties can use embedded mood check-ins with SEL strategies.
By enabling customized interactions, Gemini reduces the burden on teachers while enhancing equity in learning access—especially important in inclusive or resource-limited settings.
What This Means for School-Based Therapists
This is not just a tech tool—it’s an opportunity for therapy teams to embed their expertise into classroom learning without overextending themselves. Here’s how therapists across disciplines can collaborate with educators using the Gemini system:
- SLPs can co-create prompts that reinforce articulation, grammar, or pragmatic skills, giving students extra practice beyond therapy sessions.
- OTs can contribute visual schedules, motor tasks, and self-regulation supports that the AI reinforces throughout the day.
- PTs can program reminders for posture changes, movement breaks, or adaptive seating strategies to support endurance and access.
- Psychologists and counselors can build SEL content into AI check-ins that help students reflect on their emotions and flag concerns early.
- Psychomotor therapists can suggest movement-based learning adaptations or physical activity supports aligned with academic content.
- Special educators can customize lesson plans or AI tutoring modules that align with IEP goals, with scaffolds for comprehension and engagement.
In essence, AI becomes a scalable extension of the therapy team’s support—available throughout the school day.
Curriculum and Inclusion Implications
Google’s AI system could accelerate the shift from one-size-fits-all curricula toward responsive, flexible education. Teachers using Gemini can:
- Adapt instruction by sensory preference (visual, auditory, kinesthetic).
- Vary content complexity and delivery speed.
- Integrate therapy-informed learning targets directly into academic lessons.
For example, a reading task can be modified into a visual sequencing activity for students with executive function challenges, or a science lesson can embed motor planning supports for students with coordination difficulties. These adaptations, once time-intensive, can now be generated efficiently and consistently through AI.
Challenges and Considerations
While the system’s potential is high, responsible implementation is critical. Key considerations include:
- Training for teachers and therapists on ethical and inclusive AI use.
- Accessibility for all learners, including non-verbal students and those using AAC.
- Collaboration between therapists and IT teams to ensure meaningful integration into daily instruction.
Equity must remain a focus—ensuring that schools with fewer resources can also benefit from this technology without being left behind.
Conclusion: A Turning Point for Inclusive Education
Google’s Gemini-powered classroom AI marks a paradigm shift—not only in how we use technology in education, but in how we support neurodiverse learners. For therapists, it represents a chance to embed support more deeply into everyday learning without multiplying their workload. For schools, it offers a scalable, secure, and ethical model for individualized education.
This is more than just tech adoption—it’s a reimagining of what inclusive education can look like when therapists, teachers, and AI collaborate to serve every learner.
Reference
Google Workspace for Education Launch: Gemini in Education @ ISTE 2025
https://blog.google/outreach-initiatives/education/gemini-iste-2025/