Empowering International Students’ Listening and Speaking Skills via AI-Driven Audio in NotebookLM: Reflections Across Disciplines

Despite the growing interest in GenAI, there has been limited focus on its multimodal potential, moving beyond text-based applications to auditory learning. One promising avenue is using AI-generated podcasts based on self-selected academic literature, enabling learners to engage with content in new ways. Research suggests that students, especially those who are not native English speakers, often struggle with academic speaking skills. This paper explores using NotebookLM. Learners can listen to a podcast generated and practice discussions with the AI-hosts to deepen their understanding of key concepts and prepare for live seminars. Drawing on pedagogical reflections from teachers of international students, this paper explores how this technology can support diverse learners in engaging with academic literature and developing academic speaking skills, as well as the potential concerns associated with its use. The paper concludes with recommendations for educators on better supporting international students through multimodal, AI-enhanced learning tools.