Google has announced that Gemini, Gemini Notebook, Gemini in Classroom and Google Search will be switched off by default for K–12 student accounts, with school administrators required to enable access. The changes were outlined in Google’s 3 November announcement on its education services. Google logo. Artwork: EdEvents. The controls will be introduced worldwide, beginning in the United States. Google told AFP it had not yet set a date, and its announcement says schools will receive further details in the coming months before the changes take effect. Schools will not be able to retain Google Search while turning off its built-in AI features. CNA’s report explains that Search and AI are integrated, meaning schools that choose to keep Search available will also be enabling those features. The announcement also expands Guided Learning, which uses questions and step-by-step prompts to help students work through schoolwork. Google says the feature became globally available in Classroom on 3 November, while a Search pilot will begin in selected US schools later in November.

Australian education ministers have agreed to return the Year 5 NAPLAN writing test to pen and paper nationwide from 2028, according to reporting following their 2 November meeting. The decision follows a push by the New South Wales Government to restore handwritten assessment amid concerns about writing standards and classroom screen use. Students at Peakhurst Public School practise writing. Image: © State of New South Wales (Department of Education), 2022. CC BY 4.0. NSW Deputy Premier and Education Minister Prue Car had sought handwritten writing tests for Years 5, 7 and 9. Year 3 students already complete the NAPLAN writing assessment on paper, while older students have been taking it on computers. Ministers are seeking further advice on whether the change should extend to Years 7 and 9. The national discussion follows NSW's introduction of new guidelines on individual screen use in public-school classrooms. Those guidelines recommend at least one hour of handwriting and other paper-based learning each day, while recognising the continuing educational role of digital technology. Researchers have welcomed renewed attention to handwriting but say the discussion must also consider keyboarding skills and adjustments for students with additional learning needs. Those considerations become particularly important if handwritten assessment is extended to secondary school students. Read the NSW Government announcement. Read ABC News' reporting on expert views.

More than 40 educators joined EdEvents Connect Bangkok at Monkey Pod on 30 October 2026. EdEvents Connect Bangkok welcomed more than 40 educators to Monkey Pod on Friday 30 October 2026, bringing together Bangkok-based colleagues and visitors in town for the AI & the Future of Education (AIFE) conference. Held in partnership with 21st Century Learning (21CL), the gathering brought the international schools community together at the start of a weekend of professional learning. It offered a relaxed setting to meet colleagues, share ideas and connect beyond the formal conference programme. Dan Rosenberg (Otus) speaking during EdEvents Connect Bangkok at Monkey Pod A special thank you goes to Otus, our Host Sponsor, whose support helped make the gathering possible. The programme also included a short Otus presentation, “Kids Are Different: Riding the AI Wave”, alongside time for conversation and networking. We also thank the team at Monkey Pod Garden bar Cocktail & Tapas for their hospitality and a welcoming garden setting beneath the venue's trees. EdEvents is grateful to everyone who joined us, and to 21CL and Otus for helping bring the community together during AIFE weekend. Monkey Pod's garden setting provided a welcoming backdrop for the Bangkok gathering. Join us at a future gathering — explore upcoming EdEvents Connect events.

Microsoft logo. Editorial graphic: EdEvents News. Microsoft announced a voluntary exit offer on 26 October 2026 covering around 60,000 eligible employees, Reuters reported. The programme is available to selected teams in Canada, India, the United Kingdom and the United States. The number refers to employees eligible to receive an offer, rather than confirmed departures. Microsoft described the programme as time-limited and said it builds on experience from an earlier voluntary retirement initiative. Reuters reported that participating areas include AI experiences, Copilot, finance, human resources, Xbox and Windows and Devices. The move comes as the company seeks to contain costs alongside substantial investment in AI infrastructure. Microsoft had 223,000 full-time employees globally at the end of June 2026. Read the Reuters report carried by CNA

EU and ASEAN emblems. Education policymakers and institutions from Europe and Southeast Asia are meeting in Metro Manila on 27–28 October 2026 to examine the skills and research needed for a sustainable blue economy. The fourth EU–ASEAN Policy Dialogue on Higher Education focuses on economic activity connected to oceans and coasts. The meeting brings together higher education and technical and vocational education representatives under the EU-funded SCOPE-HE programme, in cooperation with the Philippines’ Commission on Higher Education. Discussions include the needs of fisheries, maritime transport, coastal tourism and offshore renewable energy. Commission chairperson Shirley Agrupis highlighted joint curricula, student and faculty mobility, green and digital skills, and recognition of qualifications as areas for cooperation. The dialogue is intended to inform a Manila Policy Brief with recommendations for policymakers and education stakeholders. Read the Philippine News Agency report Read The Brussels Times’ coverage of the dialogue

Data in Schools Conference, Bangkok Patana School, 11–12 March 2027. Image supplied by Data in Schools. Bangkok Patana School will host the Data in Schools Conference on 11–12 March 2027, bringing educators together for two hands-on days exploring how school leaders can turn raw data into meaningful learner growth and inclusive school cultures. The theme is “Data with Purpose: Building Inclusive Cultures, Smarter Systems, and Learner Growth”. Collaborative, workshop-style sessions will focus on practical strategies for building a holistic assessment framework across an entire school. Featured speakers include Dr Nicole Ponsford, an international education strategist specialising in data-driven inclusion and evidence-based practice, and Matt Pinkett, an author and educator focused on smart systems, culture and practical classroom impact. Attendance is limited to 125 participants. The organisers have announced an early-bird rate of $175 until 31 December 2026, with a standard rate of $225. Educators interested in presenting are also invited to submit a proposal. Learn more and register for the Data in Schools Bangkok conference Apply to present at the conference

Samsung Electronics has called for international and foreign schools as part of the infrastructure supporting a proposed semiconductor cluster in Gwangju, South Korea. The request emerged from a visit by regional government officials to Samsung’s Pyeongtaek campus on 20 October 2026. According to the local government, Samsung identified schooling as an important consideration for employees and their families. The company also asked for roads with at least eight lanes near the proposed industrial park and facilities to reuse treated wastewater for semiconductor production. Local authorities said they would review these requests as infrastructure plans for the proposed development are prepared. No new international school has been approved or announced as part of the project. Read the reports from Aju Press and The Asia Business Daily.

ChatGPT’s latest update brings interactive elements into explanations and everyday answers. Graphic: EdEvents News. OpenAI has introduced interactive visual responses in ChatGPT through its latest GPT-6 update. Announced on 7 October, Intelligent UI can combine text with charts, diagrams, buttons and other controls, allowing users to explore an explanation as they read. The new responses can show how a system works, let users change an input or help them work through a problem step by step. OpenAI’s examples include explanations of probability and economics, alongside tools such as calculators and simple games. Rollout began on 7 October for Plus, Pro, Business and Enterprise accounts, followed by Free and Go on 8 October. Enterprise access depends on administrator settings. The update applies to ChatGPT’s Chat experience. Read OpenAI’s announcement.

International Baccalaureate logo. Editorial graphic: EdEvents News. GCSE preparation is shaping the curriculum well before examination years, according to research commissioned by the International Baccalaureate and announced on 13 October. The report examines Key Stage 3 education for 11- to 14-year-olds in England. Conducted by PF Global, Education’s Overlooked Middle Child: Reclaiming Key Stage 3 draws on students, parents, teachers and education leaders. It found that 57% of teachers surveyed identified GCSE preparation as a leading influence on the curriculum. Only 36% of students could see a connection between their learning and life beyond examinations or a future career in most or all lessons. Almost four in ten teachers said Key Stage 3 received less leadership attention than the examination years. The report calls for a clearer shared purpose for these years, including curiosity, confidence and opportunities to apply learning. Its findings concern England rather than international schools, but raise relevant questions for British-curriculum leaders about the balance between examination preparation and a broader early secondary education. Read the IB’s summary and access the research report.

Thank you to everyone who joined us at The British Club Bangkok on 21 October for the International School Leaders & Innovators Mixer, co-hosted by EdEvents, AppsEDU and 21st Century Learning. It was a great opportunity to catch up with familiar faces, meet new colleagues and enjoy a relaxed evening together ahead of the EARCOS Leadership Conference. We were pleased to bring members of the international school community together over food, drinks and conversation, and grateful to everyone who made time to come along. We also extend our thanks to EduSpark, upGrad, Meghan Hargrave Education Coaching & Consulting and Flexischools, whose ticket contributions helped support the evening.

In The News. Editorial graphic: EdEvents. TED and Google have launched a global search for educators with ideas about AI in teaching and learning. Announced for World Teachers’ Day on 5 October, the initiative will select five educators to develop and deliver talks on a community stage at TED2027 in San Diego. The opportunity is open to educators working in primary, secondary and higher education who have first-hand experience using AI in classrooms or curriculum design. Applicants are invited to share approaches they have tested and refined, and insights into what those experiences mean for education. Participants first complete a free, asynchronous 60-minute Idea Workshop, which helps them identify and shape an idea before submitting it to TED’s curation team. Completing the workshop also unlocks access to TED’s public-speaking course. Submissions close on 15 November 2026 at 11.59pm US Eastern Standard Time. Educators from around the world may apply, but submissions and talks must be in English. Selected talks will also be shared through TED’s global platform. Explore the TED and Google Idea Workshop and submission details. Read Google’s announcement.

Tanglin Trust School, host of two summits on 12 and 13 November 2026. Tanglin Trust School’s IB Economics Teachers’ Summit in Singapore has sold out, with a waitlist open for the event on Thursday, 12 November 2026. A limited number of places remain for the school’s IB Business Management Teachers’ Summit on Friday, 13 November. Both full-day events are hosted by Tanglin Trust School at The Institute in its Centenary Building. IB educator and author Paul Hoang will lead sessions focused on teaching, assessment and practical resources for IB teachers. Economics summit: waitlist open The Economics programme covers the new Extended Essay, Internal Assessment and external examinations. Teachers who missed out can join the waitlist through the IB Economics Teachers’ Summit registration page. Business Management summit: limited places remain The Business Management programme will cover the Internal Assessment, new Extended Essay and Paper 3. Registration is S$225 per person through the IB Business Management Teachers’ Summit registration page.