Florida State University is using Google NotebookLM to help students take a more active role in their learning.
NotebookLM is an AI-powered research assistant and study tool grounded in trusted source materials. FSU said it is using the technology to help students, faculty, and staff better understand course materials and support academic success.
FSU launched an AI pilot with Google for Education to give its campus community access to secure and accessible AI capabilities. The university said NotebookLM was adopted quickly across campus.
Shortly after introducing NotebookLM, FSU said it saw students who were struggling with a C grade transform their study habits and improve their grades within weeks.
The university said NotebookLM can help fill support gaps when tutors and office hours are unavailable. Students can use the tool to create flashcards, generate practice quizzes, build study guides, and listen to audio summaries of dense material.
FSU also highlighted the accessibility of NotebookLM and Gemini, noting that the tools are intuitive enough for beginners to use quickly while still providing value.
For faculty, FSU said one of NotebookLM’s key advantages is that it is grounded in source materials provided to it. This helps keep students anchored to the professor’s curriculum and specific course facts.
The university emphasized that AI is not intended to replace instructors or researchers. Instead, FSU sees tools such as NotebookLM and Gemini as force multipliers that help streamline lesson preparation, generate visual aids, and speed up data discovery.
FSU said the time saved can be reinvested into face-to-face engagement, mentorship, and helping students build the soft skills needed for the future.
KEY QUOTES:
“At Florida State University, we believe technology should move students from passive consumers to active learners. While we expect every new innovation to meet this standard, we are specifically seeking solutions that raise the bar entirely. We are inspired by advancements like Google NotebookLM, an AI-powered research assistant and thinking partner, grounded in trusted sources and designed to help our students, faculty and staff understand anything.”
Jonathan Fouzard, Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Florida State University
“At FSU, we recognize that the heart of higher education will always be human curiosity and mentorship. AI will never replace our world-class instructors or researchers. Instead, it’s a force multiplier.”
Jonathan Fouzard, Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Florida State University
