When do you guys review your Anki cards?

[def1]

So I've been religiously making Anki cards but I haven't actually had time to go through any of them.

By the time I review all the material and make the Anki cards, I usually have to start on the next material.

I have like 1200 cards and I've only gone through 150 of them... 😳

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[WaylonS]

So I've been religiously making Anki cards but I haven't actually had time to go through any of them.

By the time I review all the material and make the Anki cards, I usually have to start on the next material.

I have like 1200 cards and I've only gone through 150 of them... 😳

This may be a sign that it's not the best use of your time

 

[witzelsucht]

What's your schedule like? Do you take public transit? -> anki. Dinnertime -> anki. Lecturer can't work powerpoint for 5 minutes? anki. Treadmill? Constipation? Watch sports? (commercials).

 

[chronicidal]

So I've been religiously making Anki cards but I haven't actually had time to go through any of them.

By the time I review all the material and make the Anki cards, I usually have to start on the next material.

I have like 1200 cards and I've only gone through 150 of them... 😳

slow down. only make cards for high-yield information.

 

[mehc012]

So I've been religiously making Anki cards but I haven't actually had time to go through any of them.

By the time I review all the material and make the Anki cards, I usually have to start on the next material.

I have like 1200 cards and I've only gone through 150 of them... 😳

The key is adjusting your learning intervals. If you are making your own cards, odds are you learn them pretty well as they're going in. However, Anki's default 'Learn' mode is really more suited for cards you're attempting to learn from, not for information you've distilled yourself. It's tedious and incredibly time-consuming to go through the normal learning intervals...you probably looked at all 150 of those 3-4 times already, which isn't really very efficient when you JUST went over the material.

My strategy was to change the learning intervals to 1min 120min 2days...so if I got it wrong, I'd see it again in a minute or so. If I got it right, I'd see it again later that day or the next, and if I thought it was easy, I didn't see it again for a few days (if you put 'Easy' the second time, you don't see it for a week). This lets you bump the cards into the rotation more quickly so they're spaced out and don't bore you to death in the learning phase.

My other advice would be to pare down your cards. The answers on Anki notes should be short and discrete. There should be no fudge factor or long explanation; it's either right or wrong. My strategy on this is to put the succinct answer in bold type (or make a card template to do so for me) and any additional explanation that I thought would be nice, but not necessary, in italics. As long as I got the bold type info, I counted it as correct...if I also got the italics, I counted it as 'Easy'. Your 'succinct' answers should be just that...short and sweet and to the point. This is not the place for essay questions or convoluted calculations. Ideally, you should be able to view several cards per minute...I go through about 6/min on tough subjects (less on 100% discrete regurg), so those 150 cards you've gone over would take less than a half-hour to review. Of course, that timing requires that the learning intervals not make you repeat each card multiple times within that half hour 😉

 

[def1]

What's your schedule like? Do you take public transit? -> anki. Dinnertime -> anki. Lecturer can't work powerpoint for 5 minutes? anki. Treadmill? Constipation? Watch sports? (commercials).

This sounds like good advice and the post above me as well.

I will take into consideration.

 

[chronicidal]

My strategy was to change the learning intervals to 1min 120min 2days...so if I got it wrong, I'd see it again in a minute or so. If I got it right, I'd see it again later that day or the next, and if I thought it was easy, I didn't see it again for a few days (if you put 'Easy' the second time, you don't see it for a week). This lets you bump the cards into the rotation more quickly so they're spaced out and don't bore you to death in the learning phase.

You can cut it down even more. Crank up the first interval from 120min to 2 or 3 days. I promise it will be fine for most material if you made/edited the card yourself. Consider the fact that SuperMemo uses 2-5 days. http://supermemo.com/help/fi.htm

 

[pure skill]

How are y'all changing the learning intervals to such small intervals? I'm new to Anki so I must be missing something. It only gives me the options in terms of days not hours or minutes. Do I use decimals to accomplish this?

 

[mehc012]

You can cut it down even more. Crank up the first interval from 120min to 2 or 3 days. I promise it will be fine for most material if you made/edited the card yourself. Consider the fact that SuperMemo uses 2-5 days. http://supermemo.com/help/fi.htm

Fair enough...I've experimented with several different interval sets and I actually really like this one so far. I tend to cram-Ankify things and make several hundred cards in a sitting, and then go back over the next day or so, so...that may be why I like these settings.
But yes, I definitely recommend playing around with several different intervals until you find what works for you and your specific style of card-making/learning!

pure skill, I'm sorry...we're calling them 'intervals' but Anki actually calls them 'steps'. I think technically in the program they're not intervals until you have finished learning the card...at any rate, next to the deck in the deck list click 'Options', and on the FIRST tab (the one labelled 'New Cards') the FIRST option is a box labelled "Steps (in minutes)". Mine, for example, says '1 120' These control the timing for the FIRST time you answer a card. A few lines under that is a setting called 'Graduating interval'. This is in days, and controls the timing for getting it right the second time, or marking Easy the first time.

Hope that helped!

 

[dismorfik]

Just curious... are y'all MS1's reviewing Anki already or MS2's beginning board prep? If MS1 why not make your cards first year and have them for when you start thinking about boards next year? I understand the spaced repetition theory, but the immediate gains of studying Anki so early might not be worth it.

 

[dextor2003]

Just curious... are y'all MS1's reviewing Anki already or MS2's beginning board prep? If MS1 why not make your cards first year and have them for when you start thinking about boards next year? I understand the spaced repetition theory, but the immediate gains of studying Anki so early might not be worth it.

M1 here. I usually make 2 different sets per test. One for lecture/anatomy material that I suspend after the test is over, and one for First Aid material that we cover on that test. The First Aid deck is the one that's always active. I wish I had figured out this system at the beginning of August, but I only started it about a month ago. It does seem really early still, but I thought that was the whole point? It's only cause of Anki that I still remember stuff from 6 weeks ago. But I guess we'll see how far this takes me by the end of the year..

 

[dismorfik]

M1 here. I usually make 2 different sets per test. One for lecture/anatomy material that I suspend after the test is over, and one for First Aid material that we cover on that test. The First Aid deck is the one that's always active. I wish I had figured out this system at the beginning of August, but I only started it about a month ago. It does seem really early still, but I thought that was the whole point? It's only cause of Anki that I still remember stuff from 6 weeks ago. But I guess we'll see how far this takes me by the end of the year..

I gotcha. Your 2 deck approach makes sense. Sounds like you're on the right track! I might adopt a similar approach but going to wait until FA 2014 comes out.

 

[cbrons]

I put them in anki, so even if im in the library all day, I will take a break where I just go walk around the hallway a few floors above the library. The maintenance guys in the building and any M1s who are in the hallway going to anatomy think im strange walking in circles with my iphone but whatevs

 

[mehc012]

M1 here. I usually make 2 different sets per test. One for lecture/anatomy material that I suspend after the test is over, and one for First Aid material that we cover on that test. The First Aid deck is the one that's always active. I wish I had figured out this system at the beginning of August, but I only started it about a month ago. It does seem really early still, but I thought that was the whole point? It's only cause of Anki that I still remember stuff from 6 weeks ago. But I guess we'll see how far this takes me by the end of the year..

I've been using a similar approach the by tagging all cards with which test they are relevant for while I make them. Then I can make custom study decks as needed, cram appropriately, sort useless ones into a 'hold' (no daily reviews) deck later, etc. So far I've found that more tags = more powerful studying, but ymmv

 

[Brain Bucket]

I've been using a similar approach the by tagging all cards with which test they are relevant for while I make them. Then I can make custom study decks as needed, cram appropriately, sort useless ones into a 'hold' (no daily reviews) deck later, etc. So far I've found that more tags = more powerful studying, but ymmv

+1. What he said. The greater number/more specific the tags, the better you can tailor future cram sessions.

 

[eefen]

+1 to the tags.

As people have mentioned above, I make cards with class material and then occasionally crack open FA just to find out exactly what in all of the content we are going over I should really make an effort to remember. I tag those items appropriately, and then after the test I suspend the extraneous stuff (although I might keep some cards containing helpful info that isn't in FA).

 

[mcloaf]

You guys are better than me, I was too lazy to make cards myself in the first place and am just using FC...

 

[sinombre]

I usually wake up a few hours before lecture and do most of my reviewing then. Spaced repetition is pretty much essential for me because I only have 5 tests for all of first year and 5 tests for all of second year.

 

[dextor2003]

I usually wake up a few hours before lecture and do most of my reviewing then. Spaced repetition is pretty much essential for me because I only have 5 tests for all of first year and 5 tests for all of second year.

That's insane. We have one every 2 weeks. May I ask what school you go to?

 

[sinombre]

That's insane. We have one every 2 weeks. May I ask what school you go to?

PMd

 

[GopherMD]

During downtime is the best time to do some Anki flash cards. In between lectures, walking to/from class, at the gym, in between tv commercials, etc.

Also, as others have pointed out, only make flash cards for high yield information. I make usually 15-20 cards per lecture (maybe more than that for histo).

 

[pathologyDO]

Do you guys type out/write notes with the "high-yield" information then over the weekend make notecards, or do you just go straight into anki with the info and make the cards during the week?

 

[sinombre]

Do you guys type out/write notes with the "high-yield" information then over the weekend make notecards, or do you just go straight into anki with the info and make the cards during the week?

I've tried several methods, but using Anki as my primary means of studying (without making an outline) has worked really well so far. The only things I don't use it for are memorizing long pathways. Usually I'll just draw those out on paper until I have them down, and then I'll make cards with questions about specific parts of the pathway. That way when the card shows up, I'm referring to my mental image of the whole pathway rather than an individual factoid I've memorized.

 

[Brain Bucket]

You guys are better than me, I was too lazy to make cards myself in the first place and am just using FC...

lawl. That's why I switched too. Now I just use anki for class tests, not for shelves.

 

[dextor2003]

i've tried several methods, but using anki as my primary means of studying (without making an outline) has worked really well so far. The only things i don't use it for are memorizing long pathways. Usually i'll just draw those out on paper until i have them down, and then i'll make cards with questions about specific parts of the pathway. That way when the card shows up, i'm referring to my mental image of the whole pathway rather than an individual factoid i've memorized.

+1

 

[pathologyDO]

I've tried several methods, but using Anki as my primary means of studying (without making an outline) has worked really well so far. The only things I don't use it for are memorizing long pathways. Usually I'll just draw those out on paper until I have them down, and then I'll make cards with questions about specific parts of the pathway. That way when the card shows up, I'm referring to my mental image of the whole pathway rather than an individual factoid I've memorized.

Thanks

 

[neworleans8]

Sorry to go off topic, but for some reason images are just not synching to ankidroid (not even sure if they are actually getting integrated into my web cards either). When I go to media > check tools, I see all the jpeg images there but it confirms that none of them are used in the cards.

I read through parts of the online help page, and just can't figure it out - really frustrated.

I would greatly appreciate if someone would outline the steps for adding media images.

 

[Buttermellow]

Sorry to go off topic, but for some reason images are just not synching to ankidroid (not even sure if they are actually getting integrated into my web cards either). When I go to media > check tools, I see all the jpeg images there but it confirms that none of them are used in the cards.

I read through parts of the online help page, and just can't figure it out - really frustrated.

I would greatly appreciate if someone would outline the steps for adding media images.

How are you adding the images to the cards? I just copy/paste or use the Image Occluder and I've had no problems. Are you using the latest version of Anki?

 

[eefen]

How are you adding the images to the cards? I just copy/paste or use the Image Occluder and I've had no problems. Are you using the latest version of Anki?

+1. Image occlusion is the best. thing. ever. Especially for anatomy.

 

[sinombre]

Has anyone made the most recent update to Anki? Are there any noticeable changes?

 

[eefen]

Has anyone made the most recent update to Anki? Are there any noticeable changes?

I actually just did it today. I was a couple of versions behind, actually.

If you have the image occlusion add-on, you'll have to uninstall it and reinstall it - they just came out with a version that is compatible with the Anki update (after the update, I started making my cards for the day and was momentarily freaked out when the image occlusion function gave me an error message. Ah, Anki - so touchy, but we love you anyway...). As always, I'd recommend exporting a back up copy of your decks before the update, just in case.

Most of the new changes are listed here. I haven't noticed any major new things so far...I think it's mostly just behind the scenes/stability stuff.

 

[sinombre]

I actually just did it today. I was a couple of versions behind, actually.

If you have the image occlusion add-on, you'll have to uninstall it and reinstall it - they just came out with a version that is compatible with the Anki update (after the update, I started making my cards for the day and was momentarily freaked out when the image occlusion function gave me an error message. Ah, Anki - so touchy, but we love you anyway...). As always, I'd recommend exporting a back up copy of your decks before the update, just in case.

Most of the new changes are listed here. I haven't noticed any major new things so far...I think it's mostly just behind the scenes/stability stuff.

Awesome, thanks for the response!

 

[neworleans8]

How are you adding the images to the cards? I just copy/paste or use the Image Occluder and I've had no problems. Are you using the latest version of Anki?

oh no I don't have the image occlusion add-on, need to go ahead and download that.

Thanks for your help.

 

[mehc012]

Has anyone made the most recent update to Anki? Are there any noticeable changes?

I read through the changelog and nothing jumped out at me as worth the 5min of downloading, so I didn't bother.

As for the images...I have never had an issue with images, ever. I don't know what to tell you.

 

[mehc012]

oh no I don't have the image occlusion add-on, need to go ahead and download that.

Thanks for your help.

Just to clarify, you don't need the image occlusion extension for basic images to function. In fact, I'd say that you should fix whatever your basic issue is before attempting to get all fancy with the images!

 

[eefen]

Sorry to go off topic, but for some reason images are just not synching to ankidroid (not even sure if they are actually getting integrated into my web cards either). When I go to media > check tools, I see all the jpeg images there but it confirms that none of them are used in the cards.

I read through parts of the online help page, and just can't figure it out - really frustrated.

I would greatly appreciate if someone would outline the steps for adding media images.

In Anki, go to Tools > Preferences > Network > Sync audio and images (on a side note, you'll probably want to uncheck the automatic sync option...that can cause problems).

Is that first box checked?

 

[neworleans8]

In Anki, go to Tools > Preferences > Network > Sync audio and images (on a side note, you'll probably want to uncheck the automatic sync option...that can cause problems).

Is that first box checked?

Yes the first box is checked, but I also have the automatically sync on profile open/close checked as well, is that the one you suggest I uncheck?

 

[eefen]

Yes the first box is checked, but I also have the automatically sync on profile open/close checked as well, is that the one you suggest I uncheck?

Hmm. I would uncheck the second box, but it probably isn't causing this problem. It can lead to other problems, though, depending on how many devices you use and if you try to close them simultaneously.

Are you creating cards on a desktop anki program or in Anki web?

Also, you have logged into your phone account and your are using the same profile as the desktop version, correct?

 

[Buttermellow]

+1. Image occlusion is the best. thing. ever. Especially for anatomy.

Currently in anatomy, can verify.

 

[neworleans8]

Hmm. I would uncheck the second box, but it probably isn't causing this problem. It can lead to other problems, though, depending on how many devices you use and if you try to close them simultaneously.

Are you creating cards on a desktop anki program or in Anki web?

Also, you have logged into your phone account and your are using the same profile as the desktop version, correct?

yes same account. After playing around I got a few images to sync, so think I am on the right track. thanks again for your help.

 

[eefen]

yes same account. After playing around I got a few images to sync, so think I am on the right track. thanks again for your help.

Don't know that I did much; sounds like you figured it out. Glad it's working now. If you ever have any problems/glitches like that in the future, following the steps in this video should fix it. Good luck!

 

[GangaMaster]

Awesome advice, wish I searched for it sooner.

 

[voicesinmyhead]

A few questions for anki experts out here.

Sorry if my questions are too noob. Would really appreciate any input as I find myself dead confused. 🙁

a) I just started on anki to review stuff in my final 2 weeks before the exam. I plan to have steps (in minutes) as 10 minute, 240 minutes(2 days?) and 1000000+minutes ( the last interval for cards i never intend to revisit again during this 2 weeks). Does this plan sound good?
Im a little confused with the graduating interval, easy interval, etc.
How do i set the anki settings for my plan if what i've done is incorrect?

b)Is there a way to delete a card while reviewing it?

 

[dblue10]

A few questions for anki experts out here.

Sorry if my questions are too noob. Would really appreciate any input as I find myself dead confused. 🙁

a) I just started on anki to review stuff in my final 2 weeks before the exam. I plan to have steps (in minutes) as 10 minute, 240 minutes(2 days?) and 1000000+minutes ( the last interval for cards i never intend to revisit again during this 2 weeks). Does this plan sound good?
Im a little confused with the graduating interval, easy interval, etc.
How do i set the anki settings for my plan if what i've done is incorrect?

b)Is there a way to delete a card while reviewing it?

(a) Not sure. I'm still trying to figure out what settings are best also.
(b) Instead of deleting a note, you can suspend it to never see it again OR delete it. I've been suspending mostly. There's a small box in the lower right hand corner that gives you additional options when you're reviewing and there are some keyboard shortcuts listed there too.

 

[voicesinmyhead]

(a) Not sure. I'm still trying to figure out what settings are best also.
(b) Instead of deleting a note, you can suspend it to never see it again OR delete it. I've been suspending mostly. There's a small box in the lower right hand corner that gives you additional options when you're reviewing and there are some keyboard shortcuts listed there too.

Thanks a lot! the suspend option is awesome!

 

[mubaby]

A few questions for anki experts out here.

Sorry if my questions are too noob. Would really appreciate any input as I find myself dead confused. 🙁

a) I just started on anki to review stuff in my final 2 weeks before the exam. I plan to have steps (in minutes) as 10 minute, 240 minutes(2 days?) and 1000000+minutes ( the last interval for cards i never intend to revisit again during this 2 weeks). Does this plan sound good?
Im a little confused with the graduating interval, easy interval, etc.
How do i set the anki settings for my plan if what i've done is incorrect?

b)Is there a way to delete a card while reviewing it?

If those are the intervals you want, then I would just set your 'new cards' step to just 10 min (just one step) then change the graduating interval to 2 days. Then if you have cards you never want to see again, suspend them. You also have the option of 'burying' which is basically "i need to go back and study this, but I don't want to do that now." Burying cards takes the cards out of rotation. When you close and open anki again, your buried cards go back into rotation.

 

[voicesinmyhead]

If those are the intervals you want, then I would just set your 'new cards' step to just 10 min (just one step) then change the graduating interval to 2 days. Then if you have cards you never want to see again, suspend them. You also have the option of 'burying' which is basically "i need to go back and study this, but I don't want to do that now." Burying cards takes the cards out of rotation. When you close and open anki again, your buried cards go back into rotation.

thanks! great help!