If you are teaching students to use a spaced-repetition (SRS) flashcard system, such as Anki, that operates across different platforms (i.e., PC to website to app), it is extremely important to train the students to sync (or connect) before and after every study session and every card making session on any device - basically any time they do anything with their SRS system. If the students do not sync correctly, then the data that exist in the different places will not be the same, and there will be conflicts later, which could cause them to either lose the new cards they made or any study progress.
The other SRS system that I am recommending for iDevice users, Flashcard Elite, does not have this problem with syncing. Although, there is related problem with adding new cards to a deck that I will write about later.
Always syncing before and after every use of SRS ensures that the data are always the same in every place and removes the risk of conflicts.
I learned this the hard way today when I forgot to remind my students to sync at the beginning of our computer lab today - kind of embarrassing...
I am a teacher and I also feel afraid of the risk of app's conflicts. My best friend, she is also a teacher recommend that Superflashcard app www.superflashcard.com is very useful. Using it, you can avoid many risks and mistakes. Try using it for your lectures!
ReplyDeleteI'm a tutor and make cards on my computer that I would like to sync automatically with my students accounts. Is there some way that I can open their account on my computer for automatic synchronization? Or is it possible to sync a deck from my account with theirs? THanks - Bruce
ReplyDeleteBruce, thanks for the comment.
ReplyDeleteI think that originally it was possible to have people "subscribe" to a deck, but I think that option is no longer available.
You could create a deck and then share it publically on the Anki server/website for students to download.
Or you could export the deck as an Anki file and give it to the students by email or other means. If they double click on it, the deck should open in their Anki program.
Let me know if that helps...
Cheers,
Rich