Google's NotebookLM discusses the Settlement Sector and Technology Task Group's work

It's fun and interesting to play with new technology. Google's NotebookLM It is a free AI-powered research assistant and note-taking tool. According to Google: "NotebookLM is an experimental product designed to use the power and promise of language models paired with your existing content to gain critical insights, faster. Think of it as a virtual research assistant that can summarize facts, explain complex ideas, and brainstorm new connections — all based on the sources you select."

Like other Generative AI tools, such as Perplexity, Claude, and ChatGPT you can upload documents and ask the tool questions, generate summaries, FAQs, briefing notes, etc.

What has been making the most noise about NotebookLM is the simple sounding Audio Overview function: "a new way to turn your documents into engaging audio discussions. With one click, two AI hosts start up a lively “deep dive” discussion based on your sources. They summarize your material, make connections between topics, and banter back and forth. You can even download the conversation and take it on the go."

I tried it today with a report I'm very familiar with.

Four years ago I chaired the Settlement Sector & Technology Task group, where we published From Silos to Solutions: Toward Sustainable and Equitable Hybrid Service Delivery in the Immigrant & Refugee-Serving Sector in Canada (2021). Today I grabbed the 3 main reports, uploaded them as sources, and asked NotebookLM to generate an Audio Overview.

As NotebookLM summarized: "The first source is a report examining the use of digital technologies and hybrid service delivery models in the immigrant service sector. The report examines themes including the definition of hybrid service delivery, leadership in digital transformation, organizational culture, baseline and infrastructure in digital transformation, measuring digital literacy, digital skills training, professional digital roles, hybrid service delivery outcomes measurement and evaluation, and funding and endeavor. The second source is a report that provides a list of practical resources, guidelines, checklists, and toolkits from the Virtual Care field which are relevant to the immigrant service sector. It includes resources from other helping professions and sectors like Social Work, Telehealth and mental health."

Accurate.

The Audio Overview conversation is pretty cool. It threaded points from the main report, which is really about recommendations, and Appendix 1 - Report of Findings on Interviews and Focus Groups, which really focuses on sharing sector voices and stories, into a really interesting, and accurate narrative.

This is AI-generated, not reading or using a script, but generated from the 3 sources I uploaded. A man and woman have a very engaged and animated conversation about the research. They bring it to life. In a way that the webinars, briefing sessions, etc., we ran probably did not. It's a tech tool. But it brought the research to life in a very human way. Super interesting.

Listen for yourself (there's a weird momentary audio glitch around 5:10 that lasts for a couple of seconds and quickly goes away).

I've been using AI (generally Perplexity) to generate research snapshots to help get research reports posted quickly here. I think I'll start also running those reports through NotebookLM for a conversational perspective too. Could be interesting!

With research snapshots, I sometimes re-run the analysis, or use a different tool to see if I'll get additional nuances. I was curious here, so I redid the Audio Overview. NotebookLM does indicate that "Audio overviews are not a comprehensive or objective view of a topic, but simply a reflection of your sources." And it did provide a differently nuanced conversation, picking up on different parts of the report as well as different stories from the field. Super interesting!

AI-generated briefing note

And, while I'm at it, here's the briefing note NotebookLM generated, without edits. Pretty good:

Purpose: This document outlines key themes and insights from recent reports and discussions concerning the adoption of a hybrid service delivery model in the Canadian immigrant and refugee-serving sector, with a particular focus on digital transformation and its implications.

Sources:

1. "From Silos to Solutions: Toward Sustainable and Equitable Hybrid Service Delivery in the Immigrant & Refugee-Serving Sector in Canada," AMSSA, April 2021.
2. "Settlement Sector & Technology Task Group Report - Appendix 1 - Report of Findings on Interviews and Focus Groups," AMSSA, April 2021.
3. "Settlement Sector & Technology Task Group Report - Appendix 2 - Practical Resources, Guidelines, Checklists, and Toolkits from Virtua," AMSSA, April 2021.

Key Themes:

1. Defining Hybrid Service Delivery: The sector lacks a unified definition of "hybrid service delivery." While initial definitions borrow from blended learning models, it's crucial to develop a sector-specific understanding that encompasses the diverse needs and nuances of newcomer communities and service providers.
2. Digital Equity and Inclusion: A significant digital divide exists, affecting both newcomer clients and service providers. Addressing this divide through infrastructure investments, digital literacy training, and equitable access to technology is paramount. This includes recognizing that not all clients desire or have the means to access services digitally.
3. Funding and Investment: Sustained investment is critical for successful digital transformation. This includes funding for staff training, technology infrastructure upgrades, cybersecurity measures, and ongoing support for hybrid service delivery models. Funding models need to move beyond short-term project-based approaches.
4. Organizational Capacity Building: Service providers require support in developing digital competencies, establishing baseline technical standards, and implementing effective change management strategies to ensure a smooth transition to hybrid service delivery.
5. Data Literacy and Management: Developing data literacy skills among staff and establishing robust data management systems are crucial for evaluating the effectiveness of hybrid service delivery models and informing future strategy.
6. Collaboration and Knowledge Mobilization: Enhanced collaboration between government agencies, service providers, and newcomer communities is vital for sharing best practices, developing standardized approaches, and fostering innovation in hybrid service delivery.

Important Ideas and Facts:

• Digital Literacy is Essential: “Digital literacy is a foundational skill that must be developed in a hybrid service delivery model, alongside established skill sets.” (Source 1)
• Assessment Tools are Needed: "In discussions with the sector, it became clear there is much interest in establishing Digital Literacy Benchmarks (DLB) for newcomers that complement Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB)." (Source 1)
• Sharing Resources is Key: "You are trying to have open-source concepts and digital content for online language teaching, but the funders are funding pockets of innovation...If the system is shareable, I don’t need to... login to one system and to another... I want to be in one place." (Source 2)
• Evaluation Must Go Beyond Outputs: "In measuring hybrid service delivery, many participants highlighted that service output did not equalize to service outcomes." (Source 2)
• Technology is Constantly Changing: "Funders should recognize that the nature of technology keeps transforming as it is closely related to the cost of digital devices and equipment." (Source 2)
• Digital Equity is a Human Right: "We’re going to use that word [digital equity], because it really is a new barrier to social determinants of health... In this kind of world, you can’t see your doctor, you can’t get your groceries...if you don’t have online capability. You’re facing an inequitable barrier that needs to end." (Source 2)

Recommendations:

• Develop a Sector-Wide Definition of Hybrid Service Delivery: A clear and shared understanding of this model is crucial for guiding policy, funding, and implementation.
• Invest in Digital Equity and Inclusion: Prioritize initiatives that bridge the digital divide, ensuring equitable access to technology and digital literacy training for both clients and service providers.
• Establish a National Centre of Expertise for Hybrid Service Delivery: This centre could offer resources, training, and support to organizations navigating digital transformation.
• Create Funding Models that Support Long-Term Digital Capacity Building: Move beyond short-term project-based funding to enable sustained investment in technology infrastructure, staff development, and ongoing support.
• Promote Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing: Encourage the sharing of best practices, development of standardized tools, and cross-sector learning to foster innovation and accelerate the adoption of effective hybrid service delivery models.

Conclusion:

Transitioning to a hybrid service delivery model presents both opportunities and challenges for the immigrant and refugee-serving sector. By addressing the critical themes outlined in this document and implementing the recommended actions, the sector can leverage digital technology to enhance service delivery, improve newcomer outcomes, and foster a more equitable and inclusive settlement experience.