Tool: NotebookLM
Time: 3 minutes
Result: An AI tutor trained on your notes
Most people collect notes but rarely use them. The real value comes from testing what you remember, finding gaps, and reviewing weak spots.
AI Win #1
Use NotebookLM to turn notes, PDFs, transcripts, or research into an interactive tutor that quizzes you, explains mistakes, and builds a personalized review plan.
How to do it
Open NotebookLM and create a new notebook.
Add your source material: class notes, a PDF, Google Doc, article, transcript, or pasted text.
Ask NotebookLM to become your tutor using the prompt below.
Answer the first set of questions without checking your notes.
Ask for corrections, a simpler explanation, or a harder quiz based on what you missed.
Why this is useful
Reading notes feels productive, but it often creates the illusion of learning. Quizzing yourself forces retrieval, which is one of the fastest ways to improve retention. Because NotebookLM uses your own material as the source, the feedback stays focused on what you're actually trying to learn.
Prompt:
Act as my interactive tutor using only the sources in this notebook.
Goal: Help me understand and remember the material, not just summarize it.
Please do the following:
1. Identify the 5 most important ideas I need to understand.
2. Explain each idea in plain English with a short example.
3. Create a 10-question quiz that mixes multiple choice, short answer, and scenario-based questions.
4. Ask me one question at a time and wait for my answer before moving on.
5. After each answer, tell me if I was correct, explain why, and point me back to the relevant source if possible.
6. Track what I miss and create a short review list at the end.
Start with the 5 key ideas, then begin the quiz.Try it with one set of notes today!
Know someone who takes a lot of notes? Send them today's AI Win.
