Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNET
When I need to research a topic these days, I often turn to AI, at least as a starting point. But depending on my questions and which chatbot I use, the response may not always be satisfying -- it can be too brief or canned. In that case, I find myself wanting more. That's when I turn to Google's Learn About experiment.
Also: 8 ways to write better ChatGPT prompts - and get the results you want faster
As the name implies, Learn About is more than just a way to get a quick answer to a question. Instead, it's a teaching tool that invites you to dive more deeply into your chosen topic. With Learn About, you can submit a text prompt, a PDF, or an image file to kick off your query. In response, Google's AI provides details on the topic at hand.
What's more, the answer is broken down into visually interesting and informative sections that encourage you to explore the topic. The AI might display an interactive list, explain how or why something works, and show related content. You might also find suggestions and questions to help you dive in even further. Here's how I use Google's Learn About.
1. Browse to the Learn About page
To get started, head to the Learn About web page and sign in with your Google account if prompted. The page suggests several topics you might want to explore off the bat, such as why we yawn, how to improve your memory and learning abilities, and how music affects the brain. The one about yawning intrigues me, so I select that.
Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNET
2. Explore the sample topic
In response, Google delivers the basic information in a format that invites learning. An interactive list breaks down the topic into different areas, any of which you can explore. A list of misconceptions clears up some common fallacies about the topic. In this case, Google refutes the notion that you yawn only when you're tired or bored.
... continue reading