The Chatbot Takes on the Role of Teacher: Exploring AI in Education

Steven Johnson is an insightful author known for his explorations of science and technology. He deeply engages with the subjects he writes about, often allowing them to influence his creative process. A few years ago, prior to the launch of ChatGPT and the subsequent AI boom, Johnson undertook a magazine assignment that plunged him into the world of artificial intelligence—and he hasn’t looked back.

Currently, in addition to his writing, Johnson works with Google on a project called NotebookLM, commonly referred to as “Notebook.” This innovative note-taking and research tool empowers users to upload documents and import web links, while Gemini-powered AI assists in organizing information, extracting key insights, and enhancing understanding of various subjects. Johnson explains that Google approached him with a vision of creating an ideal software tool for organizing thoughts and facilitating writing and brainstorming. Enthralled by the concept, he joined the team in the summer of 2022.

Originally launched in 2023 as Project Tailwind, Notebook has undergone significant rebranding and expansion. Recently, the team introduced Audio Overviews, which creates podcasts featuring engaging discussions based on user-provided information. This new feature presents content in an entertaining yet informative format.

In this episode of the tech media sitecast, Johnson shares his passion for AI, his experiences at Google, and the evolving landscape of NotebookLM. The conversation delves into ethical considerations surrounding the use of AI for research and assignments, as well as ensuring the accuracy and accountability of tools like NotebookLM. Johnson emphasizes the critical role of context windows in AI's future and discusses the subtleties of maintaining engaging dialogue in AI-generated content. Additionally, he reflects on how AI is transforming his approach as a writer and creator.