If you had told me two years ago that I would be building custom interactive classroom tools without knowing how to code, I probably would have laughed.

But lately I have been experimenting with Google Gemini’s Canvas feature, and it has completely changed the way I create digital activities for my students.

Instead of searching for the right website or app, I can now generate a simple interactive tool in minutes, test it instantly, and embed it into a Google Site so my students can use it right away.

It sounds complicated, but it is actually really simple.

For a professional development session at work, I created a small website that walks through the process and shows real examples of the tools I have made.

What Is Gemini Canvas?

Google Gemini includes a feature called Canvas that allows you to generate and edit code while seeing a live preview of what you are building.

In practical terms, that means you can ask Gemini to create a small web application and immediately see it working.

For example, you can ask it to build:

• an exit ticket generator

• group generator

• a reflection tool

• a simple learning game

• a vocabulary practice activity

• a self checking review tool

Gemini generates the HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, and Canvas shows you a live version of the tool so you can test it instantly.

Even better, you can ask Gemini to adjust things like:

• the instructions

• the difficulty level

• the colours

• the layout

• the feedback students receive

You do not need to understand the code. You simply describe what you want the activity to do.

My Simple Workflow for Creating Classroom Tools

Over time I have developed a workflow that takes only a few minutes.

Step 1. Generate the Prompt in the Prompt Generator (also made by Gemini Canvas!)

I start by describing the activity I want to create and entering it into the “app purpose/objective” field.

For example:

“A simple interactive sorting activity for Grade 4 students where they classify animals by habitat.”

The generator generates the code, then I copy it, bring it over to Gemini Canvas and paste it there.

Then it works its magic and shows the working activity inside Canvas.

I test it, ask Gemini to adjust anything that needs improvement, and once it works the way I want, I move to the next step.

Step 2. Copy the code

Once the tool is ready, I just copy the full HTML code.

That is it.

No downloads.
No extra platforms.

Just copy the code.

Step 3. Embed the activity in a Google Site

Then I open any site created with Google Sites.

Inside Google Sites I:

1. Click Insert

2. Choose Embed

3. Select Embed Code

4. Paste the HTML code from Gemini.

The interactive tool is now live on the page.

Students can open the page on their Chromebooks and start using the activity immediately.

The Website I Built to Show the Process

Because this process is easier to understand when you see it in action, I created a small website called:

Idea to Application with Gemini Canvas

The goal of the site is simple. It shows how a classroom idea can become a working interactive tool.

On the site you will find three key things.

Real example applications

The site includes working examples of tools that were generated with Gemini Canvas and embedded directly into the page.

Teachers can click and try the activities just like students would.

This helps make the concept much more concrete.

A clear idea to application workflow

The site illustrates a simple process:

Classroom idea → AI generated code → working classroom tool

Once teachers see this workflow a few times, the process becomes very intuitive.

Not sure what to create? Need some inspiration?

My site also includes an idea bank with some application and interactive activity creation activities.

Why This Is Powerful for Teachers

Many teachers assume that creating digital learning tools requires advanced technical skills.

But tools like Gemini Canvas make it possible to create small, focused applications designed for a specific learning goal.

For me, this approach has made it much easier to build tools for things like:

• design thinking lessons

• STEM challenges

• vocabulary and math practice for my son

• reflection activities

• connecting with students (I was asked to build a “Morse Code translator” because I took interest in what they were doing at recess and they told me they were memorizing Morse Code…)

Instead of adapting my lesson to fit an existing platform, I can now create the exact tool I need for the lesson.

A New Way to Think About Classroom Technology

What excites me most about this approach is how quickly it moves an idea into something students can actually use.

Teachers do not need to become programmers.

They simply need to describe the learning experience they want to create.

With tools like Gemini Canvas, the technology becomes a partner in the creative process.

And once the activity is embedded into a Google Site, it becomes a reusable part of your classroom toolkit.

If you are curious about what this looks like in practice, you can explore the examples here:

Idea to Application with Gemini Canvas

You might be surprised how quickly an idea can become a working classroom tool.

Let me know what you create!