NotebookLM 📝✨

 This week I explored a new AI tool called NotebookLM. I had never used it before, so it was interesting to see how it compared to other AI tools. It felt different right away. Instead of just asking NotebookLM a question or giving it a prompt, you can upload your own sources, and then the tool will only respond based on the sources given. 

For my notebook, I wanted to use some of the topics we are learning about in my other course this semester. The course is a happiness study class, so I uploaded three articles we were given this week. An article about contentment, one about effort and happiness, and one additional source about well-being. Once I uploaded my sources, I started forming my questions such as, "What are the connections between effort and satisfaction?" and "How is contentment different from happiness?" I liked how the responses stayed focused on the sources I uploaded, and pointed out where certain information came from. It felt more structured compared to using Google. 

One feature I liked about NotebookLM was how it summarized each of my sources. It didn't just repeat everything. I could ask for key ideas or explanation of certain concepts more in depth. If something was also a little complicated, I could ask for a more simple explanation. I also liked that when I asked it more detailed questions, like comparing two ideas across different sources, the answers were very useful. Sometimes if I was too vague, answers wouldn't be as useful, so I would have to reshape my prompt. It goes back to the idea that when working with different AI sources it is important to be specific for the best answer.

NotebookLM seems like it would work best when you already have a solid list of sources. I don't think it can completely replace the research process, but it does organize information once you have it. I think this could be useful to students trying to write papers, it keeps all your sources in one place, it is easy to interact with the different sources and compare, and you don't have to switch between multiple different tabs. 

My final thoughts on NotebookLM are positive! It seems to be a helpful tool for breaking down information from sources, which can be great for college students. I feel like it had more structure compared to other AI tools I have tested out. That being said, you also have to put in a little more work at the beginning because having sources is essential. It still could be great for studying, writing papers, or just analyzing assignments that have multiple different sources. I found a great YouTube video I attached below that helped me get started with NotebookLM. 



 

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