Vibe coding is a revolutionary way to build apps and interactive tools using natural language instead of traditional programming. Rather than writing code line by line, you simply describe your idea, and AI brings it to life as a functional application.
The concept is simple: you convey the "vibe" or vision of what you want, and AI translates it into working code—no programming experience necessary.
This approach opens up exciting opportunities, especially for educators. Now, you can create interactive learning tools, classroom resources, or student activities without needing to hire a developer or learn to code. Want a quiz game for your unit on westward expansion? A visual timer for station rotations? An interactive vocabulary builder? Just describe what you need, and AI will handle the rest.
Vibe coding puts the creative power in your hands. Your expertise in pedagogy and content drives the design, while AI handles the technical implementation.
Both Gems and vibe-coded apps use AI, but they serve different purposes:
What it is: A customized AI conversation partner
How users interact: Through chat and dialogue
Best for: Tutoring, feedback, brainstorming, Q&A
Example: A study coach that answers student questions in a specific style
Requires conversation? Yes
What it is: A functional, interactive application
How users interact: Through buttons, inputs, and visuals
Best for: Games, simulations, tools, visualizations
Example: A flashcard app that tracks which terms students have mastered
Requires conversation? No
Think of it this way:
A Gem is like having a customized teaching assistant who talks with your students.
A vibe-coded app is like having a customized tool that your students click through and explore
Both are valuable! In fact, they complement each other beautifully. You might use a Gem for personalized tutoring conversations and a vibe-coded app for interactive practice activities.
Before you start describing your app, you need to enable the Canvas feature:
Go to gemini.google.com
Look for the Canvas button (it may appear as an icon or in a menu)
Click to enable Canvas mode.
Now, when you describe an app, Gemini will build it visually rather than just describe code.
Important: If you skip this step, Gemini will give you code to copy rather than a working preview you can interact with and refine.
Write a clear description of your app. Include:
What the app does
Who it’s for
How users interact with it
Any specific features you want
Once Gemini generates your app:
Click through it and test all features.
Tell Gemini what to change (“Make the buttons bigger,” “Add a score counter,” “Change the colors to match my school”)
Keep refining until it’s exactly what you need.
You can embed your vibe-coded apps directly into Google Sites to share with colleagues and students! (Instructions below)
Want to see what a vibe-coded app looks like? Check out the Prompt Engineering Simulator below! I created this app using the same process described above—just a detailed description in Gemini Canvas, followed by testing and refining until it worked exactly how I wanted. It’s a great example of how educators can build interactive learning tools without writing a single line of code.
Here are two simple prompts to get you started. Copy and paste these into Gemini Canvas to see vibe coding in action!
Copy this prompt:
Create a fun "random student picker" app for teachers.
Include:
- A text box where I can paste a list of student names (one per line)
- A big, colorful "Pick a Student" button
- When clicked, the button should show a quick animation of names spinning, then land on one random name displayed large in the center
- A "Pick Again" button that selects another student
- A clean, cheerful, classroom-friendly design with bright colors
Make it feel exciting and game-show-like so students get excited when their name is picked!
What you’ll get: An interactive spinner you can use for cold calling, choosing volunteers, or assigning tasks—way more engaging than drawing popsicle sticks!
Try customizing it: After it generates, try saying:
“Add a drumroll sound effect.”
“Add a ‘Remove from list’ checkbox so picked students aren’t picked again.”
“Change the colors to blue and gold” (your school colors!)
Copy this prompt:
Create a simple exit ticket app for students.
Include:
- A title at the top that says "Exit Ticket."
- An editable question area where I can type today's question (default text: "What's one thing you learned today?")
- Three response buttons students can click:
- 🟢 "Got it!" (I understand completely)
- 🟡 "Almost" (I need a little more practice)
- 🔴 "Help!" (I'm confused)
- When a student clicks a button, show a simple "Response recorded!" message with a thank you
- Track and display a count of how many students clicked each option
- A "Reset Counts" button for the teacher
- Clean, simple design that works on phones and computers
Make it easy for students to respond quickly at the end of class.
What you’ll get: A quick formative assessment tool you can project or share via link. Students self-assess their understanding, and you get instant data on who needs support.
Try customizing it: After it generates, try saying:
“Add a second question asking ‘What question do you still have?’”
“Make it show a pie chart of the responses.”
“Add our class name to the header.”
Once you’ve created an app you love, you can add it to your Google Site so students and colleagues can access it anytime.
In Gemini Canvas, look for an option to view or export the code.
Copy the HTML code
In your Google Site, go to Insert → Embed → Embed code
Paste the code and click “Insert”
Resize the embed frame as needed.
Test your embedded app on both computer and phone views.
Some complex apps may work better as links than embeds.
Keep a backup copy of your prompt so you can regenerate the app if needed.
Once you’re comfortable with vibe coding, the possibilities are endless! Here are some ideas to spark your creativity:
For Students:
Vocabulary matching games
Timeline builders
Interactive maps
Quiz shows with sound effects
Flashcard apps with spaced repetition
“Choose your own adventure” history stories
For Teachers:
Seating chart randomizers
Group generators
Timer tools with custom intervals
Rubric calculators
Parent contact log trackers
Bell ringer display boards
For Both:
Data collection tools
Reflection journals
Goal trackers
Classroom economy dashboards
Try the Prompt Engineering Simulator below to practice writing clear, effective prompts—then take those skills into Gemini Canvas and start building!
The best way to learn vibe coding is to experiment. Start simple, describe clearly, and iterate. Your first app doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to be a starting point.
Happy building!
AI Disclosure: Portions of this resource were created with assistance from AI tools including ChatGPT, Claude, Google Gemini, Adobe Express, Google AI Studio, and/or Suno. All prompts, instructional design, curation decisions, and pedagogical frameworks are original work by the author.