Generative AI to Enhance Student Learning Handout: Podcast

Assignment Description

We all know learners don’t like to read! This activity will get them reading, reflecting, and analyzing what they read. In this activity, learners will read a scholarly article related to the course content, use AI (NotebookLM) to automatically generate a podcast summarizing and reflecting on the article’s key points, analyze the podcast compared to the article, and reflect on what they learned from the process.

Learning Objectives

  1. Analyze: Learners will critically compare and contrast the AI-generated podcast with the original scholarly article, identifying key differences in content, depth, and accuracy.
  2. Evaluate: Learners will assess the quality and reliability of the AI-generated podcast, using evaluation rubrics to determine its alignment with the original article's key points and scholarly integrity.
  3. Reflect: Learners will reflect on their own learning process by evaluating how using AI to summarize and analyze content has impacted their understanding and retention of the article’s key concepts.

Human Role/AI Role

  • Students will read the article, conduct analysis between the article and the podcast, and reflect on their learning.
  • NotebookLM will generate the podcast.

Student Assignment Instructions

Overview

In this assignment, you will engage in a multi-step process that incorporates reading, critical thinking, and the use of AI to analyze content. You will read a scholarly article related to the course material, use an AI tool (NotebookLM) to automatically generate a podcast summarizing and reflecting on the article, compare the podcast to the original article, and reflect on what you learned from the entire process.

Steps to Complete the Assignment:

  1. Select a Scholarly Article
    Choose a peer-reviewed, scholarly article from the course readings or a topic related to the course. Ensure the article is relevant to the current unit and includes key concepts being discussed in class.
  2. Read the Article
    Carefully read the entire article. As you read, take notes on key points, arguments, and findings that you think are important. Pay attention to the structure and depth of the content, as you will need to compare this to the AI-generated podcast later.
  3. Generate an AI-Powered Podcast
    Use the AI tool NotebookLM to generate a podcast that summarizes and reflects on the article’s main points. Make sure to input the article correctly into the tool and let the AI create the podcast based on the content of the article.
  4. Analyze the AI Podcast
    Listen to the podcast generated by NotebookLM. Compare and contrast the AI summary to your own reading of the article. Consider the following questions:
  • What key points were accurately captured?
  • Were any important details missed or misrepresented?
  • How does the depth of analysis in the podcast compare to the original article?
  1. Take notes on your observations as you will include these in your written reflection.
  2. Reflect on the Learning Process
    After comparing the article and the AI-generated podcast, write a reflection on your experience. In your reflection, address the following prompts:
  • How did the process of using AI to summarize the article impact your understanding of the content?
  • Did the AI accurately capture the main points? What did it miss or misrepresent?
  • How did this process affect your ability to critically engage with the material?
  • What did you learn about using AI tools for academic purposes?

Deliverables:

  1. Summary and Comparison: A brief written comparison of the AI-generated podcast with the original article (1-2 paragraphs).
  2. Reflection: A 2-3 paragraph reflection on what you learned through this process, focusing on both the content of the article and the experience of using AI to analyze scholarly work.

Grading Criteria:

  • Depth of Analysis: Your ability to identify key differences between the AI summary and the article (20 points).
  • Critical Thinking: Your insights into the limitations and advantages of using AI for academic analysis (20 points).
  • Reflection: The quality of your reflection on the learning process and how it influenced your understanding (20 points).

Submission Guidelines:

Submit your assignment as a single document, including your comparison and reflection, by [insert deadline] to the course's LMS.

Instructor Note

For larger course enrollments, set this up as a peer-reviewed assignment. Also, note that you may need to use a personal Google account to use NotebookLM.