A discussion with a DP Design Technology student a few weeks ago sparked an interest in an area that I struggled with as a young student - “How do you take notes?" We discussed various methods and strategies; But I was left with the realization that there was an opportunity to do more within the classroom to support students.
As I was discussing with her, my thoughts returned to a book study I participated in last year of Uncommon Sense Teaching. This book highlights the importance of teaching students specific study skills through outlining the neurological principles that underpin working memory and longterm memory. These skills are crucial for navigating the complex DP Design Technology curriculum, which requires students to organize, process, and recall a significant amount of content. The book highlights several strategies:
Retrieval practice: Retrieval practice involves asking students to recall information from memory. This can be done in a variety of ways, such as through quizzes, flashcards, or simply asking students to summarise what they have learned. Retrieval practice is one of the best ways to strengthen neural links in long-term memory.
Active learning: Active learning involves engaging students in the learning process through activities and discussion. This helps students to consolidate the neural links that they are forming.
Direct instruction: Direct instruction is a teacher-led approach to instruction that involves breaking down complex information into smaller, more manageable chunks. Direct instruction is particularly helpful for students who are learning challenging material.
I realise these strategies are nothing new and that a good teacher would already incorporate these strategies into their teaching practice. However, for me the conversation with the student sparked an interest about how to provide more opportunities for retrieval practice and active learning within the class. Specifically, finding a way to help students navigate the challenge of the content-heavy curriculum.
This is where I turned to NotebookLM, an “AI research assistant” to explore possibilities. Lots of educators have written about its features and application - I like the one from aiforeducation for an overview of what it can do.
Before going further, I should outline my current approach to using AI in the classroom. For our design team, we aim to use AI to augment thinking in the classroom, not to substitute it. We are interested in how AI and large language model tools help students move their thinking forward through the development of critical thinking skills. As such, we are using and teaching AI tools as a just one of many tools a designer might use to learn about a problem, explore possibilities, or deepen their understanding.
What is impactful about Notebook LM is its ability to assimilate content and create an engaging podcast about the topic. Take a listen below to this discussion about human factors and ergonomics (DP DT Topic 1) that was generated by Notebook LM
Where I went one step further was to use this podcast as just one of several tools to create a study review resource for students. In the lesson, students were given a study guide, also created by Notebook LM. While we listened to the podcast, students annotated the notes with additional information. Finally, we compared notes and wrapped up with a discussion.
I’m impressed with their notes, as students were able to organize and highlight information, and draw connections - without focusing on “trying to write everything down.” Student feedback about this activity was also positive with comments like:
It really helped me understand the concept a lot, since I am more a person who needs to listen or hear lessons and not only read. It was very effective for me to understand each topics.
I personally found receiving organized print for design content and annotating over it by using podcast was very helpful
Although the contents are already well displayed on the design website, the in-hand form printed at a glance was more convenient & helpful to me. I liked how I could directly annotate on top of it.
It was great to know the details that I missed through other students during the discussion activity. Furthermore, I felt that my memory of the content itself was strengthened while explaining the content to other students again.
This approach of using an AI like Notebook LM to craft a resource for students is transformative. It circumvents the need to find the perfect article or existing resource - instead teachers can craft a resource that is customized to the needs of their students. In this way, the tool becomes integrated into the learning experience, creating a more holistic and effective learning experience, combining the strengths of human-led instruction with the capabilities of AI to support active learning, retrieval practice, and direct instruction. This approach ensures that students have the best possible opportunities for growth and development.