Create Podcasts with Transcripts With Brisk

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Brisk allows educators to create podcasts featuring two generative artificial intelligence voices from self-selected content. Brisk is an extension available to educators in LCPS. Educators choose a material, like a Google Slides presentation, select the Brisk icon, select Create, select Podcast, and then complete a prompt to create a podcast. Brisk then creates a website with a play button to listen to the podcast and a complete time stamped transcript. Educators can then share the website with learners to provide an audio option for how to engage with the content. Enjoy this sample titled Audio Supports: Making Learning Accessible for Everyone generated from a slide deck on audio resources available in LCPS.

A webpage screenshot showing a podcast player and transcript. At the top left is a colorful, stylized cassette tape illustration. To the right, the podcast title reads **“Audio Supports: Making Learning Accessible for Everyone.”** Below the title are details: labeled as a *Podcast*, with a duration of *1 minute*, a date of *Nov 10, 2025*, and a note that it was shared by the user. A horizontal audio playback bar shows the play button, elapsed time (01:10), volume control, and a speed selector set to *1.0x*.Below the player is a section labeled **“Transcript.”** The transcript appears as alternating short dialogue lines between two speakers, “Maria” and “Jamal.” * Maria (00:00) introduces the topic: how technology can make learning easier for all students. * Jamal (00:07) explains that they are talking about audio supports to help students access information. * Maria (00:14) gives an example of text-to-speech reading difficult text aloud. * Jamal (00:23) says it helps everyone by creating inclusive learning experiences. * Maria (00:30) notes that many devices include tools like Immersive Reader to read words aloud and break them into syllables. The layout is clean, with clear timestamps and speaker names beside each line of dialogue.

Sample website create from the Brisk podcast feature

Auto Creation of Mind Maps

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NotebookLM from Google allows educators to design dynamic mind maps from self-selected content. Educators choose materials, load them to NotebookLM, and then create a mind map. The resulting graphic organizer is expandable to hide or reveal relevant content. Educators can then export the mind map as images which can also be embedded in other forms of media, like videos and slide decks.

A mind map titled “Robots for Everyone Project.”At the center is a main node labeled Robots for Everyone Project, with six primary branches: Core Philosophy & Purpose Every learner can acquire communication skills Achieved through evidence-based practices (EBP) Robots provide a vehicle for (sub-branch extends but not expanded further) Robots not used as a reinforcer Project History and Evolution A single sub-node indicator (chevron) showing additional content not expanded Goals and Metrics Choose language concepts to target Choose computer science standards Design experience using robots and coding Reflect on other goals (non-language/computer science) Reflect on replication/reinforcement at home Design & Delivery Process 6. Deliver educational experience Collect performance data Report performance data Reflect/collaborate on data and adjustments Repeat making necessary adjustments Team Roles and Responsibilities One sub-node indicator (chevron) suggesting more details Data and Artifact Requirements One sub-node indicator (chevron) suggesting more details Other Design Considerations One sub-node indicator (chevron) suggesting more details The layout is radial, with gray primary nodes branching to green sub-nodes. The overall visual is clean and dark-themed with curved connectors linking each idea.

A mind map created in NotebookLM about the Robots for Everyone project

Sharing Routines Through Auto-Generated Storybooks

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Google Gemini has a feature called Storybook where users can create a customized picture book on a given topic by writing a text prompt. At the time of this blog post, the feature is listed as experimental. Educators can describe elements of the book, such as target audience age, art style, and more! Customized storybooks can be generated specific to a learner’s interest and goals. For instance, reading about a character moving through a series of steps or routines can help students learn that particular skill.

Screenshot of the Gemini interface showing a generated children’s storybook called “Fitz’s Morning Rush.” On the left, a text prompt requests a story about a ferret going through his morning routine at a fourth grade reading level. Gemini responds with the storybook output. On the right, an illustrated page is displayed. The illustration shows a ferret mother in a yellow apron serving a bowl of food to her child, a young ferret named Fitz, who is sitting at a small wooden table wearing a red sweater and blue jeans. They are inside a cozy kitchen with a stone floor, green cabinets, a refrigerator, shelves, and a window with light streaming in. On the facing page, text reads: “His mom had left his favorite breakfast on the table: a bowl of crunchy kibble with a few sweet berries on top. Fitz hopped onto his chair and nibbled happily, making sure not to leave a single crumb. ‘Yum!’ he said to himself.”

A sample page from the storybook titled Fitz’s Morning Rush which features a ferret character moving through his morning routine. The storybook was created with Google Gemini’s Storybook Gem

Auto Creation of Video Content

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NotebookLM from Google allows educators to design dynamic video experiences from self-selected content. Educators choose materials, load them to NotebookLM, and then create a video overview. The resulting video is similar to a slide deck with a human-like narrator. Here’s a sample video created by the Assistive Technology Specialist specific to accessible educational materials titled Unlocking Learning: AIM in VA. Once a video is created, educators can download the file to edit in a video editor (such as WeVideo) or share directly with learners if no edits are necessary.

Screenshot of the NotebookLM interface titled “AIM VA Navigator.” The screen is divided into three panels. On the left is the “Sources” panel listing seven selected documents, including AIM Considerations, Accessibility to Digital Texts and Beyond in LCPS, Digital Rights Manager, Eligibility Requirements, Home, IEP Documentation, and LCPS AIM VA Guidance Document. The center “Chat” panel displays a summary explaining Accessible Instructional Materials in Virginia, outlining eligibility requirements, roles of school personnel, and technologies for providing AIM. At the bottom of this panel are buttons for saving notes, adding notes, generating an audio overview, and creating a mind map. On the right is the “Studio” panel showing a video overview titled “Unlocking Learning AIM in VA” with a still image slide. The slide has a blue box with the title “Accessible Materials AIM” and the text “Print based educational materials converted into specialized formats to meet student needs,” alongside a magnifying glass graphic. A video playback bar at the bottom indicates the video is 5 minutes long with 1 minute and 12 seconds played.

NotebookLM Video Overview in the Studio Panel

Creating Human-like Audio Conversations with NotebookLM

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NotebookLM from Google allows educators to design dynamic audio experiences from self-selected content. Educators choose materials, load them to NotebookLM, and then create an audio overview. The resulting audio sounds like two human podcast hosts discussing the content. Here’s a sample of the podcast hosts discussing the accomplishments of the Specialized Instructional Facilitators – Assistive Technology and the Assistive Technology Specialist during the 2024 – 2025 school year and a transcript of the podcast. Once created, educators can download the audio file to share with learners.

Screenshot of Google’s NotebookLM interface showing a project titled “Inclusive Design and Assistive Technology Accomplishments: 2024–2025.” The screen is divided into three main panels. On the left is a “Sources” panel with one document selected. In the center is a “Chat” panel displaying a summary of the document with headings, emojis, and descriptive text. At the bottom of this panel are buttons for saving notes, adding notes, generating an audio overview, and creating a mind map. On the right is a “Studio” panel with tiles labeled Audio Overview, Video Overview, Mind Map, and Reports, along with a section for an interactive audio file. At the bottom right is a playback bar showing an audio recording titled “Unlocking Potential: How LCPS…” with play and note options. The top navigation bar contains controls for Analytics, Share, and Settings.

NotebookLM – Audio Overview is available in the Studio panel on the right.

Adding Steps to Microsoft To-Do

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Microsoft To-Do is a tool available to any staff in LCPS that invites users to create To Do Lists. Tasks in Microsoft To Do can be broken down into smaller, more actionable pieces called Steps. Users can create iterative steps for each task helping them know specific actions to take to complete a task. The Add steps, importance, notes, tags, and categories to your tasks website provides support for how to get started.

This image shows a digital task list for the project "Turn in the Solar System Diorama." The list includes the main task at the top with a star icon to the right, likely for marking importance. Below are ten subtasks, each with a circle to mark completion and an "x" to the right, likely for marking tasks as done.The subtasks are: Research: Read project instructions: Review the requirements and rubric. Research planets: Find key facts about size, color, and order. Sketch the layout: Plan the design and placement of planets. List materials: Write down needed supplies like foam balls and paint. Gather materials: Collect or purchase everything on the list. Paint planets: Match colors to each planet. Assemble diorama: Arrange and glue planets in the box. Add details: Label planets and add creative touches like stars or moons. Review project: Check against the rubric for accuracy and completeness. Submit: Turn in the finished diorama on time. At the bottom is a plus sign (+) with the label "Next step," suggesting the ability to add more subtasks.

Sample Task with Steps in Microsoft To Do

Adding Tags to a Task in Microsoft To Do

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Microsoft To-Do is a tool available to any staff in LCPS that invites users to create To Do Lists. Tasks can be organized across different lists by adding hashtags (like #science or #theater) to the task name. Tags can be added when creating or editing a task. A user can review all the tasks, notes, and steps that share a tag by selecting that tag or searching for it in the search bar. The Add steps, importance, notes, tags, and categories to your tasks website provides support and an example for how to create tags.

This image shows a digital task management system with a list of tasks organized by different categories.At the top, there are tabs for "My Day," "List," "Sort," "Group," and "Suggestions." The current view is "My Day" and displays the date as Thursday, January 24th. There's an option to "Add a task" on the left. The main section shows a list of tasks with columns for "Title," "Due Date," and "Importance." Each task has a circle next to it, likely for marking it as complete. Importance is represented by star icons, with more stars indicating higher importance. The listed tasks include: Email Ms. Jones about extra credit opportunities. (High importance, tagged #SchoolTasks #Communication) Update group presentation slides. (Medium importance) Finish algebra homework. (Medium importance, tagged #Math #Homework) Submit college application. (Medium importance, tagged #College #Deadline) Practice guitar. (Medium importance, tagged #Music #Extracurricular) Charge laptop. (Medium importance, tagged #Tech #Prep) Pack gym bag. (Medium importance, tagged #PE #Sports) Draft essay for English. (Medium importance, tagged #English #Writing) On the right side of the image, there's a panel with options to add details to a task, such as: Add step Added to My Day Remind me Add due date Repeat Pick a category Add file Add note This interface allows users to create, organize, and manage their tasks efficiently.

Organize Tasks By Adding Hashtags

Adding a Note to a Task in Microsoft To Do

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Microsoft To-Do is a tool available to any staff in LCPS that invites users to create To Do Lists. If a user has any extra information they’d like to add to a specific task, they can add a note to the bottom. Select the task to open detail view and tap or click within the note to select it. Once selected, a user can enter any extra information to help accomplish the task. The Add steps, importance, notes, tags, and categories to your tasks website provides support for how to add notes to a task.

A screenshot of a task in a task management application. The task is titled "Write English paragraph: Finish the rough draft of my personal narrative." A star icon is next to the task title. Below the task title are several icons with accompanying text labels:+ Add step: A plus sign icon. Added to My Day: A sun icon. Remind me: A bell icon. Add due date: A calendar icon. Repeat: A curved arrow icon. Pick a category: A folder icon. Add file: A paperclip icon. Below the icons, there is additional text: Teacher said I could use LucidChart, Canva, Google Docs, Word, or anything else I want to create the draft. Remember to listen to the rough draft using Read&Write for Google Chrome. The text "Updated a few seconds ago" is displayed at the bottom.

A Sample of a Note Added to a Specific Task in Microsoft To Do

Prioritizing Tasks by Adding Importance in Microsoft To-Do

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Microsoft To-Do is a tool available to any staff in LCPS that invites users to create To Do Lists. Some tasks added to a list may be more important or timely than others. Users can add priority to individual tasks in a list by starring which are deemed important. Once starred, users can view all the prioritized tasks in the important smart list. Users can also sort each list by importance to have starred tasks automatically move to the top of the list. The Add steps, importance, notes, tags, and categories to your tasks website provides support for how to add importance to tasks.

This image shows a digital to-do list with columns for "Title," "Due Date," and "Importance." Each task is listed with a circle to the left, likely for marking completion. The "Importance" column uses star icons, with more stars indicating higher importance.The tasks listed are: Charge Chromebook: It's almost dead, and I'll need it in class. (High importance) Get a parent signature: For the field trip permission slip. (High importance) Clean out my backpack: Get rid of old papers and organize folders. (High importance) Write English paragraph: Finish the rough draft of my personal narrative. (Medium importance) Practice tuba: 15 minutes for band class. (Medium importance) Text Emma: Ask her about the group presentation. (Medium importance) Pack gym clothes: Bring sneakers for PE tomorrow. (Medium importance) Work on history project: Find 3 pictures for my Civil War poster. (Medium importance) Study for science quiz: Review notes on the water cycle. (Medium importance) Finish math homework: Page 42, problems 1-20. (Medium importance)

A Sample To Do List with Starred Items at the Top

The My Day Feature in Microsoft To-Do

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The My Day feature in Microsoft To-Do is perfect for prioritizing what needs to be accomplished today. Each morning, users can start fresh by adding tasks from other lists or creating new ones just for the day. Unlike regular task lists, My Day resets daily, which helps users focus without feeling overwhelmed by long-term projects. Users can keep track of immediate priorities and feel a sense of achievement as each item is completed, making productivity both manageable and rewarding. The My Day and suggestions website provides support for how to get started. The video belows also provides a tutorial about how to get started.