Deep Dive into the Saugus Iron Works

Exploring Google's NotebookLM (Gemini Notebook)

What if AI could be used to uncover new insights based solely on your own human curated content? It's possible using NotebookLM. (Now Gemini Notebook) Add your own sources such as websites, PDFs and YouTube videos. The key to smooth operation is the accessibility of text to the AI. 

Building a NotebookLM based upon legacy files from the SIW curriculum project ran into a roadblock since the unit wasn't available on a web server. NotebookLM can easily ingest public websites. The workaround was to convert the older web pages to Adobe PDFs. PDFs are easily readable by NotebookLM's AI. 

1. After content sources are added and selected the AI analyzes and builds new content. 
2. In the Chat window, you can view a brief summary and prompt the AI to further interrogate the sources. 
3. The Studio panel is where the magic happens. Audio overviews create podcasts from long form 20 minute deep dives to short 2 minute trailers. For educators, you can create lesson plans and curriculum briefs using Reports. Video overviews, Infographics and Mindmaps turn text content in structured visuals. 

Explore the SIW NotebookLM. Another great feature is the share tool. Viewers can interact with your NotebookLM, but do not have edit permission. 

• What is your favorite SIW multimedia product?
• How could you assist struggling students or fully engage them in Colonial iron making? 

Annotated NotebookLM for SIW - A Colonial Adventure in Iron Making