Anyone here use flash card programs and have a recommendation?

[CBG23]

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I am looking for a flash card program to help me better retain the material I am learning as my current method of studying is not working so well. I have came across a few programs mentioned (Anki, Supermemo, and Mnemosyne). In particular, I am looking for something that is easy to use (no programming language needed), has the capability to annotate pictures (For example, putting an arrow on a certain part of an image that will only show up on the "back/answer" side, while the front side lacks the arrow, and make tables.

Based on a cursory look at the websites for these programs, I get the impression that making tables is not so easy and that inserting a table as an image may be the best way...

Also, mac compatibility would be good 🙂

 

[TexasMDtobe]

If you have a smartphone, use gFlash

You download it for free to your phone (in my case an iphone) through the appstore. Then you make your own flashcards by creating a spreadsheet through Google Documents. Column A is the front side and Column B is the back side. You can even use a web link to make a jpeg be one side of a flashcard. Finally, you download the google spreadsheet you created by logging into your account through the gFlash app.

I use this program for all straight memorization. Highly recommended.

As for computer programs to allow picture annotation, I use powerpoint. Anatomy, for instance, is a snap, put a plate with arrows on one slide and the same plate with arrows and labels on the next. Easy review for practicals. Additionally, you can create tables very easily using powerpoint.

 

[WellWornLad]

I've used Anki and liked it. If you want to annotate pictures you could always make them in another program (photoshop, ppt), save a snapshot and import it as a jpeg.

Anki's good because it varies how frequently you see certain cards based upon how you perform, so you don't have to wade through 90% of the cards that you already know well as much as the 10% you have trouble with. Just err on the side of less information per card.

 

[CBG23]

You both have a good point about annotating/ making tables in PPT and just bringing the image into the flash card program - I think that may be easiest in the end (although it may slow down the card making process a little).

Unfortunately I don't have a smartphone (yes, I know I'm lagging behind the times...), so I'll have to stick to something on a computer.

WellWornLad, I think all the programs I mentioned use the "spaced learning"/ varying how frequesntly you see the cards method you noted.

It seems that supermemo it not for Mac at all. Anyone use Mneomsyne and Anki and know which is the better of the two?

WellWornLad, why did you choose Anki?

 

[silverhorse84]

It sounds like maybe you have a mac. If you do, there is a program called Skitch that is great for editing pictures and it's free. I use it all the time!

In terms of flashcard programs, I use iFlash (again only for mac users). It does cost money ($15 I think). I've used it for 1.5 years now for several of my classes, and like it. I haven't tried anything else though, and I think Anki is free so if its something you like it may be better.

 

[bomgd3]

I use Anki as well and I like it a lot.

 

[rx515]

Some of my classmates use mental case and love it and say its worth the money. Its Mac and iOS only though so I can't use it.

 

[WellWornLad]

WellWornLad, why did you choose Anki?

I tried a few programs out and Anki was a) free, b) easy to use, c) had "spaced learning" (thought it was pretty special when I saw it, apparently not), and d) it has LaTex support, which was big for me because I originally sought out a flash card program for pharm and writing all those formulas was a pain without it (LaTex is a markup language I was previously familiar with as a comp sci major, if you don't know what it is by now you will probably never need to).

 

[Narmerguy]

I've used Anki and liked it. If you want to annotate pictures you could always make them in another program (photoshop, ppt), save a snapshot and import it as a jpeg.

Anki's good because it varies how frequently you see certain cards based upon how you perform, so you don't have to wade through 90% of the cards that you already know well as much as the 10% you have trouble with. Just err on the side of less information per card.

Anki was the top choice for me.

 

[DrDrToBe]

Try gunnertraining.com, the flashcards are already made and it uses a programmed learning model similar to Anki. You are also able to add your own notes to each flashcard, although I'm not sure you can add your own images or table. PM me if you would like a link for a free 1 month trial.

 

[seelee]

I have used ANKI, iflipr, and gunnertraining.

anki's repeat algorithm is better than ifliprs, but iflipr is web based so you can use it anywhere. It is also compatible with the iphone/ipod touch. anki has some hack where you can use it with anki, but I was never able to get it to work.

The trick with flash cards is to not overdo it. Flash cards are great for laundry lists of drug names, muscles, genes, enzymes, but less good for concepts. Try to make flash cards only for the things you know you wont be able to memorize, or recognize after reading it a few times.

I use gunner training at the moment, and while I would not use it solely for a test, it is great for keeping up on material you have already covered. Especially when NBME shelf time comes around.

 

[Bernoull]

I used quizlet, and honestly i haven't even made a single flashcard yet bcos I stumbled around a goldmine of flashcards made by upper classmen at my med sch and it was freakin awesome1

 

[IMGUSMLEStep1]

Another vote for Anki! It's awesome and free.