When I was in high school, there were some subjects you couldn't have paid me to study for, like math or government. I can't help but think about how different things might have been if I'd had something like NotebookLM available to help me care about and study for those subjects I actively avoided. It probably would have made me a much better student.
NotebookLM is a solid AI research assistant, and it really shines as a tool for students. What sets it apart from other AI tools is that it doesn't pull random information from the internet or from reams of potentially unreliable training data. Instead, it uses whatever material you give it: your own notes you typed up during class, a PDF provided by your teacher or even an audio recording of a lecture. NotebookLM will take the material you feed it and turn it into a format that best suits your learning style.
By using only the sources you provide, NotebookLM's answers are more focused -- and aren't coming from a random Reddit thread, like you'd get with other AI tools like ChatGPT. If you're new to NotebookLM and want to get accustomed to it, here's a list of must-know features for your upcoming school year.
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Why NotebookLM?
I've explained most of NotebookLM's features and why it's my all-time favorite AI tool. It would have been a game-changer for me as a student. Seeing information presented in multiple ways helps me grasp even the most difficult subjects -- and I doubt I'm alone here.
Because NotebookLM relies only on the information you feed it, it'll be more reliable. When using a chatbot like Gemini that searches the corners of the internet to find answers, you might get hallucinations and much less specific output.
That said, you should always double-check answers provided by AI. But knowing exactly the sources NotebookLM is working with can be a relief, especially when you're trying to study for something like a school exam. Having these guardrails in place can give you peace of mind.
Understanding your work with Study Guides, Timelines and Mind Maps
NotebookLM's most interesting features are tucked into its Studio pane, where you'll find Study Guides, Timelines and Mind Maps, a trifecta of tools for better understanding your school work.
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