UC Riverside’s innovative spirit and strategic investments in technology took center stage this week as KTLA 5's tech reporter, Rich DeMuro, visited our campus to learn how our faculty and students are applying Google’s NotebookLM to academic work. DeMuro interviewed Rich Yueh, assistant professor of teaching in information systems, and several undergraduate Business students in the state-of-the-art computer lab located within the university's new School of Business building. The segment focused on their experiences using Google's NotebookLM to enhance academic work.
Dr. Yueh, who also advises the UCR student chapter of the Association for Information Systems (AIS), demonstrated how NotebookLM can analyze course materials and automatically generate study aids like text summaries and podcasts produced from the notebook’s source documents. This practical application of AI underscores UCR's commitment to exploring and implementing cutting-edge technologies to benefit its students.
UCR's strategic investment in enterprise solutions like Google's Cloud Platform and its AI offerings, including NotebookLM, reflects a broader vision within the university's central IT leadership.
“We're focused on providing cutting-edge tools like NotebookLM to enhance teaching and learning, while simultaneously exploring AI's potential to streamline administrative processes and drive innovation across the university,” said Chief Information Officer Matthew Gunkel. “Our goal is to equip our students, faculty, and staff with the resources they need to excel in an increasingly AI-driven world, ensuring UCR remains at the forefront of academic and research excellence.”
ITS recognizes the potential of AI tools to provide significant value not only to students in their academic pursuits but also to researchers driving innovation and addressing critical global challenges. This has led to collaborative efforts with staff and faculty, including Professor Yueh, to identify and implement effective ways to leverage these technologies for enhanced teaching and learning.
“When I look at AI’s role in higher education, I see it as augmented intelligence—technology used intentionally to deepen learning and sharpen thinking. I teach students to ask the right questions, not just push buttons. When AI is everywhere, curiosity, critical thinking, and human insight become the real competitive edge, positioning students to thrive and lead in an AI-forward future,” said Yueh.
The recent KTLA interview was a result of a partnership between ITS, the School of Business, and Google, which recommended UCR as an exemplary use case for NotebookLM in a university setting. Special recognition goes to Dr. Rich Yueh for showcasing his innovative application of the tool in his Information Systems courses and for inviting his students to share their firsthand experiences.
The news segment–which aired on KTLA 5 on Wednesday morning–offers a glimpse into how UCR is embracing technological advancements to empower its students and faculty. Reporter Rich DeMuro’s news article on UCR’s use of NotebookLM can also be viewed on the KTLA 5 website.
