People as large experience models (Singapore)

People in a city are like “large experience models” with whom we can engage and learn a great deal.

I wanted my learners to try Nepalese food, talk to Nepalese people, and explore the context that led to the recent troubles. We invited the learners to a venue with inexpensive Nepalese food. This is also the gathering space for the Nepalese community on Sundays.

Before this learning journey, I want to provide some context, so typically we assign articles as “homework.” This approach is often hit-or-miss—mostly miss—as people rarely arrange time for such preparatory revision.

NotebookLM’s audio generation feature was handy. I know people will need at least a 30-minute bus or train ride to reach the venue. I fed a few articles into the NotebookLM app. I chose a wide range of sources: a Substack post by a Nepalese researcher, an article from China and one from India (the two neighbors that impact Nepal the most), and some economic analysis by research organizations. I used the audio overview feature to generate the “deep dive audio.”

Notebook LM generates conversations between two people, extracting insights from the uploaded documents. I find this more engaging than a single voice narrating an article. 

After listening to this audio, participants also feel more confident talking to strangers they are about to meet, as they have some context about the topic we will discuss.

Try the Nepal notebook https://notebooklm.google.com/notebook/fddbfd0e-f893-4353-a0b5-f92b6b078f71

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Using Notebook LM as a learner

Making learning journeys richer with Notebook LM:

I often use this “deep dive audio” to prepare for events that I am attending. An example from earlier this year where I used Notebook LM for last-minute preparation and revision.

My contacts in Kuala Lumpur sent me information about a discussion they were hosting. The topic was interesting so I decided to fly to Kuala Lumpur from Singapore.

They had a list of references for us to go through before the event. I loaded the references to Notebook LM app on the iPad while waiting to board the flight.

I generated the  “Deep Dive” audio and downloaded it for offline listening on the flight.

I was prepared for the discussion by the time I reached the venue.