Ever had an upcoming test but don’t know where to start? Or you don’t have the time to look through the countless videos, textbooks, articles, class lecture slides, etc?
Don’t worry. This free tool will do that for you.
Tool of the Week: NotebookLM
Imagine your professor uploads a 60-slide lecture deck, assigns a 30-page reading, and schedules a quiz for Friday.
Instead of spending hours digging through everything, you upload the files to NotebookLM and ask: "What are the 5 most important concepts I need to know for the quiz?" In seconds, it gives you a study guide based on your materials.
Confused about a topic? Ask: "Explain this like I'm a freshman who's never seen it before." Need practice? Ask: "Create 15 quiz questions from these notes."
However, this is not any generic chatbot.
Because NotebookLM works directly from your sources, the answers stay grounded in your class materials instead of pulling random information from the internet.
It's like having a personal tutor that has already read everything for the class.
4 Features you MUST try out
1. Q&A
The most obvious one. Upload your materials and chat with them.
Instead of searching through hundreds of slides, simply ask questions and get answers with citations pointing back to the original source.
2. Practice Exams & Flashcards
Turn lectures, readings, and notes into practice questions and flashcards in seconds.
Great for active recall and preparing/cramming before exams.
3. Image Creation
NotebookLM can generate timelines, mind maps, infographics, diagrams, and visual summaries to help break down difficult topics.
Perfect if you're a visual learner.
4. AI Podcast
One of NotebookLM's coolest features.
It can turn your study materials into an AI-generated podcast where two hosts discuss the content naturally.
Perfect for listening while walking to class, working out, commuting, doing chores, or multitasking in general.
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How to use NotebookLM
Create a notebook.
For me, I create a separate notebook for each class.
Upload lecture slides, study guides, readings, and assignment instructions throughout the semester.
Tip: Import any slides or content after each class.
Before an exam, ask NotebookLM to create a study guide covering any & all concepts.
Generate practice questions and flashcards from the material.
Listen to the AI podcast version
I usually listen to it on my way to class.
Give it a try
If you're taking classes this summer, NotebookLM is one of the easiest ways to study smarter and save time.
Give it a try before your next exam and see how much time it saves you.
If you found this useful, forward this email to a friend who's struggling with studying.
Author’s Note:
Hey! I’m always looking to make these posts more valuable and enjoyable for you. If you have any feedback, tool suggestions, or topics you’d like me to cover, just leave a reply to this email. I read every response.
See you next week!
Preston