Free Course

NotebookLM Basics

We’ve all tried AI that gives generic or flat-out wrong answers. This course shows you how to use NotebookLM—an AI that only looks at the materials you give it. Learn how to set it up, how to chat with your documents, and how to use it to prep for class in half the time.
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skill level

  • Basic

Format

  • Online, self-paced

PD HOURS AWARDED

  • 2

Number of quizzes

  • 2

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About this course

You’ve opened an AI tool before and asked the chatbot a question. Sometimes it's answer is helpful. Sometimes it’s generic. Sometimes it’s confidently wrong.

Enter NotebookLM: a Google AI tool and chatbot that is grounded in your materials, not the open internet. Instead of generating responses from who-knows-where, NotebookLM works directly from the sources you provide: your curriculum documents, articles, standards, slide decks, and notes.

In this beginner-level course, you'll examine what makes NotebookLM distinct from traditional chat-based AI tools and how its source-based design can be leveraged for educators and students.

From there, you’ll explore three practical roles NotebookLM can play in your work:

As a Clerk, to help you manage information. As a Colleague, where it becomes a thinking partner. And as a Coach, to support reflection and refinement.

Through guided examples and classroom-based scenarios, you’ll learn how to use NotebookLM intentionally—protecting accuracy, maintaining instructional integrity, and leveraging AI in ways that truly support your expertise.

Your new superpowers

  • Learn how NotebookLM differs from other AI chatbots & tools
  • Navigate NotebookLM's interface and features
  • Create and share notebooks
  • Upload documents, slides, and links to use as sources
  • Leverage NotebookLM to streamline teaching tasks
  • Use NotebookLM's studio to engage students
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Course lessons

Want to take it to the next level?

Want to explore Google's other AI tools? Start with Google Gemini, an AI chatbot with the ability to respond to queries, create images, generate videos, and more!
You can also purchase the Google Intermediate Bundle to gain access to Google Gemini for Workspace and seven other intermediate Google courses.
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Taught by our LTC team

LTC REGIONAL EDTECH COORDINATOR, EAST-CENTRAL REGION

Matt Sherrill

Matt Sherrill (he/him) is a Regional Educational Technology Coordinator for the Learning Technology Center, serving Illinois’ East Central region. 
An educator with 15 years of classroom experience, Matt previously worked as an ELA teacher and department chair. Matt also holds a Master’s Degree in Teaching and Learning and a Technology Specialist endorsement. In addition to his classroom work, Matt has served on his district’s AI Advisory Team where he developed and delivered AI-focused professional development to the district’s staff. He also shares his insights as a guest speaker on AI literacy for Illinois State University’s pre-service teachers.