AI summary tools are popping up everywhere—from websites to note-taking apps, even in iOS 18 Apple email and applications like Google NotebookLM.
While concise summaries can be a real treat, helping us process information faster and remember it better, there’s a catch.
The Trick: Out-of-Context Information
I read articles from technology bloggers (Lifehacker) and technology journalists (The Washington Post). The authors have highlighted instances where AI summary tools miss the mark by providing irrelevant or misleading information. I’ve experienced this firsthand.
In an exercise to teach students how to use Otter AI (a transcription app for note taking), I ask students to record the short TED Talk by Kamal Meattle titled How to Grow Fresh Air and compare the app transcript to the transcript on the TED Talk website.
After listening to the TED Talk, you should be able to name 3 indoor plants that efficiently convert carbon dioxide into oxygen. To my disappointment, the Otter AI summary gave supporting details such as the height range of a specific plant, but failed to answer the title question, “how to grow fresh air?”
A Reminder: Basic Reading Comprehension Tips
To check the accuracy of AI summaries, review the full text and keep these basic reading comprehension tips in mind:
- Purpose: Understand the goal of the reading material.
- Background Knowledge: Leverage your existing understanding of the topic.
- Preview: Scan headings, pictures, tables, and vocabulary words.
- Questioning: Turn titles and headings into questions to guide your reading.
- Focus on the Core: Read the introduction and conclusion to grasp the main idea.
- Summarize in Your Own Words: Make your own determination of the key points.
By combining the power of AI with human judgment, we can harness the benefits of summary tools while mitigating their potential pitfalls.
Happy Halloween!