December 4, 2023
Fevziye Ahmed Khan
In a world where information abounds and human attention is short, holding onto that knowledge has become the problem. Regardless of whether one is a student, a professional, or simply an inquisitive mind, finding an effective method of absorbing information and then recalling it from memory becomes imperative. That is where Anki comes into play: a state-of-the-art flashcard application that takes advantage of one of the most scientifically-backed methods for efficient learning-spaced repetition.
Anki, named after the Japanese word for "memorization", is a digital flashcard tool which is aimed at improving memory. It uses spaced repetition, which is based on scientific fact: for optimum remembrance with least effort, review intervals should be increased. As opposed to the traditional rote learning techniques, Anki times information presentation in such a manner that it would almost have just slipped your mind, re-enhancing your memory along the way.
Available for both desktop (Windows, macOS, Linux) and mobile (Android and iOS), the app is highly accessible. Its synchronization feature makes transitions between devices seamless so that you can study on the go or from your desk.
One of the strong features of Anki is its customizability. Any user can make flashcards to suit his need for use. These cards may include not just text, but also images, audio, and even videos, which make it versatile in use among learners from varied disciplines. For the technical people, Anki also supports LaTeX so that complex equations and scientific notation are possible.
As soon as you understand the simple basics, modifying card format is both easy and intuitive: You can make cloze deletions (fill-in-the-blank questions), create basic Q&A cards, or even design your own card templates. This flexibility makes Anki bend to your learning style, not the other way around.
The core of Anki is the spaced repetition algorithm, which makes learning efficient and effective. When you review a card, Anki will prompt you about how well you were able to recall the information. Based on your response, it then schedules the next review: cards that you struggle with appear more often, while cards you know well are seen less frequently.
This algorithm works out the most effective use of your time, spending it on reinforcing material that needs it. Gradually, the intervals between reviews become longer and longer, all while allowing you to retain information in your long-term memory with little effort.
Anki’s user community has contributed an extensive library of shared decks. These pre-made flashcard collections cover a vast array of topics, from vocabulary for language learners to medical terminology and history facts. If you’re diving into a new subject and don’t have time to create your own deck, these shared decks are a great starting point.
However, it’s important to ensure that shared decks align with your specific needs. While they provide a foundation, personalizing the content ensures that the material resonates with your learning goals.
The open-source nature of Anki has allowed for a plethora of add-ons to be developed, extending its functionality in very impressive ways. From statistical tracking to audio pitch graphing for language learners, these add-ons serve niche needs and help make the user experience much more functional.
To the uninitiated, especially beginners, the add-ons may look daunting, but they are actually worth the effort. An entire arsenal of popular user-created add-ons such as the Image Occlusion tool-in for studying diagrams-and Night Mode-for reduced eye strain-can further revolutionize how you use the application.