Hi everyone, I'm currently studying chemistry (4th semester, in Germany) and trying to figure out the best way to learn from my lecture slides, especially since we don’t get exercises. I’ve been using an AI notebook tool to generate summaries (Notebook LM) and am considering using my lecture slides solely on drawing out every reaction mechanism, diagram, and structure that appears in the slides.
I’m wondering if anyone else has done this and whether it’s sustainable or even helpful long-term for exams.
Does anyone have tips on how to balance AI tools, passive material like lecture slides, and active recall/drawing in chemistry?
Do you use AI? If yes, how? If no, why would you advise against it?
Any insights from more experienced students would be appreciated!
A little bit about me (You can skip this part):
In general, I have been struggling with finding the best way to study for my chemistry subjects. I would like to improve my speed of studying and understanding. (I am aware that studying is a process, and it is okay, if it takes time to grasp a problem. However, I end up spending too much time diving into details when it comes to lectures slides. The result is, I am always weeks behind with lectures. In addition, I can’t move to a new lecture without finishing an old lecture first (switching problem) ). I would like to make an example via biochemistry:
I love textbooks but we don’t use them here really often. There are exceptions such as OChem where I use textbooks and do the exercises inside the book (My professor advised it to me, since he knows that the more options I do have when it comes to study materials the more, I like to try everything out. He also advised me against using AI).
Besides, most information is provided from (condensed) lecture slides of the professor. Exam questions are based on their lecture or lab practicals. Sometimes some modules provide past papers. However, for biochemistry we don’t have past papers nor exercises.
Currently I have come across Notebook LM. I am aware that not every study approach can be adapted to every subject. But I have been curious about this AI tool and was thinking about incooperating it in my study process. I was excited about this new approach but then I second guessed it. Although the summaries of Notebook LM have been great and taken a little bit fear out of me missing/filtering any information, I started thinking about what to do with structures, mechanisms or diagrams of the lecture slides. Also, it is a language tool after all so barely relying on it only to hurry through my lectures might be risky (In July exams will start). I hope you can understand me. I am curious about your perspectives and handling of a variation of study materials and methods.
Thanks for reading!