I have been reading about the power of the Anki spaced repetition system and as an incoming med student, I hope to utilize this system. I have heard some Anki users say that they turn off some cards after each block. My question is which cards does one turn off and how do they know which ones to turn off? Do they only leave the cards from FA on but turn the rest off? I understand that possibly if there are some minute details that profs emphasize just for an exam that card can be turn off but how does one know that this minute detail will not appear on Steps. Won't turning off those cards be detrimental in the long run as this material may not be retained and students won't be taking full advantage of the Anki system? I understand that time is an issue but I believe that Anki pays dividends long term in helping to retain info.
I hope that someone can clarify this. Thank you
(just to put my replies in context, I'm a brand new 3rd year student who has gone through the step studying process already).
IMO, your main goal for your 1st two years should be learning the material as best as you can and realize that you will learn and dump. But that's okay - make sure you REALLY learn it well the FIRST time because then when you go back and review, it'll be easier and faster. It's easier to review something you learned properly the first time.
I used anki as my primary study method my 1st two years and even during my focused step studying time. I wouldn't advice reviewing old cards - it's a waste of time, and it's too hard to know what's important (and depending on your school's curriculum, first aid might be almost useless first year). Use that extra time instead to learn in the moment - focus on what you're being taught. Believe me, there is plenty of time later to study for step when you have a better handle on med school. The best step prep you can do is to come into step studying with a good foundation, and that starts with putting in the right kind of effort the 1st two years. Learn it well, even if you only know it for 48 hours!!!
Anki's advantage is keeping you from studying what you already know for the test. I would suggest firecracker if you really want a more long term spaced repetition program. I didn't use it (didn't have them time), but several classmates of mine did and liked it and some said if they could, they would start using it 1st year.
I'm a huge supporter of anki - I even used it during step studying, and I use my cards as a reference in the hospital now. I have an ipad and I bought the anki app, so now I essentially have all of my class notes in my own words in my white coat pocket. I think that's the other advantage of using anki - searchable cards and information in YOUR own words that you'll understand.
If you have any questions on how to use anki, feel free to ask me. Anki is awesome!
Just a side note: keep in mind that anki and spaced reptition was originally made for language learners who needed the repetition to remember words. There is so much information in med school that it's almost impossible to use anki the way it 'should' be used.
