Ankification: What Is Anki Pro and How to Use Anki Flashcards

Jenny is a first-year pre-med student. She is also super busy! She has a part-time job, classes, and duties to fulfill as a roommate. With all the added stress of the pre-med track and no free time, Jenny needs to approach her studies seriously and enthusiastically at the same time. What an overwhelming challenge! Luckily, she learns about anki flashcards and spaced repetition that add structure and methodology to her study session! But what is anki? How do you use anki cards? Follow to find out! If this sounds intriguing, follow along to have your questions answered. 

Learning how to learn

While learning is often delivered in a “one-size-fits-all” method, it’s far from this. You might relate to Jenny, who often feels frustrated that no one told her how to learn efficiently. Learning how to learn might be the most important soft skill ever.   

They say it’s all about “studying smarter and not harder.” Ugh! Jenny roles her eyes. What a cliché! But one day her friend David recommends she overthink less and get a flashcard app. Suddenly, she makes peace with the suggestion and gives it a shot.

Why does it feel like a revelation? School systems rarely teach students how to learn. Days are structured in hour blocks where teachers must convey topics in bite-sized chunks while juggling multiple goals that don’t fit every student. Many students learn differently, but there isn’t enough attention to cater to each learning style. Students end up figuring out their own learning methods in their own time. «Learning to learn» falls on students, who must discover what works for them. The key is finding a personal learning style and learning to love the process. 

In a context like this, having powerful and science-proof instruments for learning and memorization might feel like a lifeline. In this article, we’re focusing on what is anki and how to use anki flashcards to learn more and stress less!

What is anki?

«Anki» is the Japanese word for «memorization.» It’s also the name of an old-school flashcard app that has been around for years.

Flashcards and memorization are BFFs. It’s a method to organize information for memorization and a crucial tool for practicing spaced repetition.

Spaced repetition is a simple yet powerful learning technique where you review information at increasing intervals. This method helps you retain information more effectively over the long term by reinforcing your memory just before you lose it.

When combined, anki flashcards and spaced repetition offer the most scientifically proven way to learn and remember anything for the long haul. 

How does anki work? 

The benefit of using an app to manage your study sessions lies in making digital flashcards for all your topics of study in one place. Separate your flashcards by category, and take them with you on the go. Furthermore, thanks to the ease of this digital flashcard library, you can share flashcard libraries with friends and form study groups in person or online. 

Think of it as a way to enhance and customize your traditional and favorite learning styles. No matter your style, you can incorporate images and color, and experiment with various learning features, such as text-to-speech or image occlusion. 

How do students use anki flashcards?

Jenny creates the digital flashcards she usually uses to study, and uses them throughout the day. She gets to have them on the phone with her to review while she’s waiting in line, commuting on the subway, or waiting for her class lectures to start. She’s also learning to make flashcards with friends, and sometimes they split up the task of making flashcards to start learning faster. This shared process also makes the task of learning more fun and social!

David’s approach is similar to Jenny, but a little different for his style. David is a gamer, and he likes to use tech and loves being online. He simply can’t be bothered with physical flashcards, and when he learned “what is anki”, he was excited to be able to create digital flashcards. He loves Anki Pro because it’s a platform that allows him to access his flashcards from everywhere: his phone, tablet, and computer–even his dad’s smart fridge screen for some extra lols! Apart from that, David is diagnosed with ADHD but he swears that flashcards help to cope with ADHD symptoms while studying!

What is Anki app? What is Anki Pro app?

Anki is a flashcard app from 2006 that uses spaced repetition to help users memorize information. Anki Pro, while similar in purpose, offers a more contemporary design and advanced features, making it a better option for those seeking a modern and enhanced user experience and community. Anki Pro remains free to use, positioning itself as a more sophisticated alternative to an old-school Anki. 

What are anki cards? 

Anki cards are digital flashcards designed for efficient memorization. They typically include text, images, audio, and sometimes mathematical formulas. It’s a matter of creativity to divide your study materials into flashcards, and Anki Pro’s free library of decks serves as a great inspiration!  

These cards are part of a spaced repetition system that schedules review sessions based on each card’s difficulty, helping users retain information over the long term. Anki cards can be created by users or obtained from shared decks covering a wide range of topics, making them popular for language learning, medical studies, exam preparation, and other educational purposes.​​

How to use Anki Pro?

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use Anki Pro:

1. Create an account: Sign up for a free account to get started. The core features will always remain free!
2. Browse decks: Explore the library of 50K+ decks covering various subjects.
3. Or create a new deck: Optionally, create your own deck tailored to your specific learning needs.
4. Add/edit flashcards: Populate your decks by adding and editing flashcards with text, images, audio, and LaTeX for formulas.
5. Choose a learning algorithm: Select a learning algorithm based on your preference—spaced repetition for gradual retention or general cram mode for intensive study.
6. Review cards: Regularly review your flashcards to reinforce learning and improve retention over time.

Who can benefit from anki cards?

Anki cards are great for anyone who values learning for the long haul rather than just cramming for exams. They’re especially handy for students tackling hefty subjects like medicine or languages, where memorization is key.

But beyond academics, Anki Pro is also perfect for those looking to hone their learning skills as a superpower. Whether you’re keeping up with your profession, diving into new hobbies, or just eager to grow personally, Anki Pro’s spaced repetition system helps you remember and master info effectively. It’s like having a secret weapon for lifelong learning!

Structure your study sessions

Now that you know what is anki flashcards and how to use Anki Pro, why not give it a whirl yourself? In a world where emotions and biases often sway opinions, your personal experience is what really counts. 

Anki Pro gives you a practical way to navigate through it all, helping you truly understand and remember what matters most to you. Whether you’re a student aiming to ace your exams, a pro looking to stay on top in your field, or just someone who loves soaking up knowledge, Anki Pro’s spaced repetition system can totally change the game for how you learn and grow. 

Dive into Anki Pro and discover how it can boost your learning journey!