With the ever increasing use of AI in education, it can be difficult to know which AI tool to use for differentiated learning in classrooms. In recent weeks, I have been exploring Notebook LM, which has helped to incorporate the aspects of Universal Design of Learning (UDL) in the classroom.
NotebookLM is a powerful tool that offers a different approach. It allows information to be uploaded and transforms it into various formats. This includes a podcast, overview video and mindmaps to name but a few!
The image below shows the dashboard of NotebookLM. In this example, the left hand side shows all the uploaded material relating to Sheep Production in Ireland. This includes pdf, Google Slides, YouTube videos and Google Docs as all my uploaded sources. The middle section is AI generated, so I can ask for specific information based on the material. The right hand section is the “Studio”. This shows all the possibilities that can be created from NotebookLM, such as video overviews, podcasts, flashcards, etc.
The features included in NotebookLM include the following:
The Audio Overview/Podcast feature: This is my favourite feature. Imagine you have a text heavy document, such as a curriculum specification or a school policy. By uploading to NotebookLM, you can generate a two-person podcast that discusses the material, saving you time! You can listen to the AI-generated podcast while driving home from work or even on a walk, stress free.
This feature can be useful for both students and teachers, as the podcasts can be shared. I can generate a 10-minute podcast based around a complex topic so students can listen in at any time.
Other Features:
- Flashcards: From your uploaded text, NotebookLM can generate flashcards related to the topics. This can include questions and answers, so can help with retrieval practice and revision of complex topics.
- Video Overview: NotebookLM can generate a quick overview video on the material uploaded. This video provides a summary and can represent graphical information in an easy to read format for students.
- Interactive Quiz: Similar to the flashcards, an interactive quiz can be generated to allow students to test themselves on the material provided. The quiz is self correcting and will provide instant feedback to students on their selected answers.
- Mindmaps: Using the sources uploaded, NotebookLM can generate fantastic mindmaps that summarize the topics. These can be downloaded as images for students or to have displayed in the classroom.
Below shows an example of the mindmap created using sources related to Sheep Production in Ireland.
NotebookLM has now also been integrated into Google Classroom, so it is much easier to access and share with students. I would highly recommend teachers to explore this AI tool to help with differentiation in classrooms. I think the wide variety of AI-generated material is of fantastic quality and it has really transformed how information can be presented to students. I would advise to start small – choose a topic you are teaching – upload your resources – generate AI-differentated material. You may not use all materials produced, but even using one feature may prove useful to your students!
Please see below for a quick 2 minute video on how to use NotebookLM. Happy creating!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6dHmu1GALmA