Google showcased its latest accessibility and learning enhancements at the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) expo. These updates include an expanded reading mode, integration with sign language interpreters in Google Meet, and AI-generated question suggestions for class assignments.
Leveraging AI technology, Google's new feature allows teachers to incorporate AI-generated questions into assignments related to YouTube videos, while still providing the flexibility to customize or create their own questions. Initially available in English, the company is accepting applications to expand its support to Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese, and Malay.
In addition, Google is making its Reading Mode, which focuses on text by removing distracting elements like videos and images, accessible to all Chrome users. The company has also introduced screen reader functionality to convert images to text in PDFs, enhancing accessibility for Chromebook users.
To improve readability, Google has introduced optically variable fonts in Arabic, Cyrillic, and Latin systems, adapting to different sizes for a seamless reading experience.
Furthermore, Google Meet now offers a tile-pairing feature that highlights both the speaker and a sign language interpreter, simplifying communication for participants.
For classrooms utilizing Google Workspace, the company provides free access, with the option to upgrade to Standard or Plus tiers for advanced security, device management, learning tools, and analytics.
With these new features, Google reaffirms its commitment to enhancing accessibility and collaboration in educational settings, empowering teachers and students alike.
