How To Learn Anything (And Remember It)

http://www.ericdobson.com
Daily Podcast #010: How To Learn Anything (And Remember It)

Modern flashcard software is really an amazing thing. You can input any topic you want to learn and remember, and it will automatically show you only the cards you need to review, in order to best remember them. It's WAY more efficient than a stack of flashcards. Instead of going through the whole stack every time, it shows you the things you need the most help with more often, and the things you know well only occasionally.

Today I talk a bit about why flashcard software is the best way to learn any new subject that involves remembering a lot of information. I also mention a bit about Anki, some promising flashcard software that I'm just starting to test.

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• podcast
• blog
• vlog
• flashcard software
• Anki
• SRS
• spaced repetition
• efficient learning
• memorize

[jebradec1]

What do you guys think about this vs. brainscape? I have used Brainscape quite a bit and it is a REALLY good. It is a system for confidence-based flash cards, syncs with iphone/itouch, and you can make your own flashcards.

[EricDobsonTV]

@jebradec1 I haven't used Brainscape, but here are a couple thoughts at first glance:

* No Mac app, only Web/iPhone. I like offline access on every device.

* Since it's web-based, flashcards are created through their web interface. This could be a fine, but again, I like the option to handle this offline.

* Their website is focused on flashcards (which they sell) not the merits of the platform itself. I'd rather pay for a great platform.

But the reviews are good, so I may try it.

[MrsPoker]

Does anybody know something about Mental Case? It's also an app that's similar.

Mr Dobson, did you also review that one before you chose Anki? Thanks

[EricDobsonTV]

@MrsPoker I'd never heard about Mental Case. It looks like it has undergone a lot of development since I last searched for a good Mac/iOS learning solution.

The site has me pretty excited. I always prefer platform-specific apps, and ones that embody the 'Mac look'. What can I say? Appearance matters.

In any case, I'll definitely be looking into this, and if it works out, perhaps doing an update to this video. Thanks so much for mentioning it!

[WindowsSoftwareDe]

you have a similar voice to jamie hyneman ;)..

[EricDobsonTV]

@WindowsSoftwareDe Thanks... when I was younger I also had a similar propensity for blowing stuff up. =)

[bebeto158]

basically like supermemo

[EricDobsonTV]

@VirgoMatt I'm not sure who you're asking about this since I've never studied Japanese, only Italian and Spanish... but for those I created my own decks. I think half the value of using flashcards is customizing them to your own study plan. Plus, the act of making them is one more way to learn the info, and especially when you're learning a language, every different form of study helps make new connections.

[VirgoMatt]

What was the deck you used for Japanese or did you create your own