ChromeOS updates target classroom collaboration with new tools and devices

Google is rolling out a set of updates to ChromeOS designed to improve collaboration and engagement in classrooms, combining new teaching tools with a broader range of compatible devices.

In a statement, the company said updates to its Class tools will give teachers more direct control during lessons. Educators can now annotate anywhere on their screen, rather than being limited to specific apps, making it easier to highlight key points or explain concepts in real time. Teachers can also mirror either their own screen or a student’s screen to a shared classroom display, allowing work to be discussed collectively.

For a lay audience, these features are intended to replicate some of the immediacy of a traditional classroom whiteboard in a digital environment. Screen annotation lets teachers draw, underline or write notes over any content, while screen mirroring makes it simpler to share examples or walk through a student’s work with the rest of the class.

ChromeOS also highlighted a growing range of Chromebook Plus devices designed for different teaching and learning styles. These include convertible laptops that fold into tablets, touchscreen models with stylus support, and detachable designs that separate keyboard and screen. The company said Chromebook Plus devices come with built-in AI-powered features such as Text capture, which can extract text from images or photos, and Quick Insert, which helps users add content like images or links more efficiently.

On the hardware side, Google announced new Chromebox OPS plug-in devices from AOpen, LG, Newline and CTL. These modules can be slotted directly into compatible displays, effectively turning them into ChromeOS-powered units without the need for a separate desktop computer. In schools, this can simplify setup and reduce clutter by integrating computing power directly into classroom screens.

Another key update is the rollout of Gemini in Chrome across all Chromebook Plus devices. Gemini provides generative AI directly within the Chrome browser, offering instant summaries and insights based on the content of a web page. It also appears in a side panel, giving users quick access to Google apps so they can, for example, schedule a meeting or check a calendar without leaving the page they are working on.

For teachers and students, this is positioned as a way to reduce friction during lessons. Rather than switching between multiple tabs or apps, AI-powered assistance and basic administrative tasks are accessible alongside learning materials.

The updates reflect a broader push to make ChromeOS more adaptable to different classroom setups, from traditional in-person teaching to hybrid and digitally supported learning. Schools have increasingly looked for platforms that are easy to manage centrally while still giving teachers flexibility in how they present material and interact with students.

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Google said further details are available through its launch guide and device discovery pages, which outline the new features and hardware options. As classrooms continue to blend physical and digital tools, the company is positioning ChromeOS as a platform that can support that mix without requiring complex or specialised equipment.

The emphasis, according to the announcement, is on practicality rather than novelty. By combining simple collaboration tools, adaptable devices and built-in AI features, Google is aiming to make everyday classroom interactions smoother for both teachers and learners.

The Recap

• ChromeOS introduced tools and device updates for classrooms.
• Gemini in Chrome rolling out to all Chromebook Plus devices.
• Company directs readers to a launch guide for details.