Comparing Flashcard Applications: Flashcard Friends, Quizlet, FlashcardDB, and SocialDecks
This week we looked at flashcard applications that are designed make studying easier. Each of the applications,FlashcardDB, SocialDecks, Quizlet, and Flashcard Friends, have features that are superior to index cards, from searching and tags, to widgets that can be used on any site. The breakdown of features is in the chart below, and we’ll talk about our findings in greater detail following it. If you’d like to read the individual application reviews, please click on the product names at the top of the chart. An introduction to online flashcard applications is available at our post Online Flashcards: Using Web 2.0 To Learn.
| FlashcardDB | SocialDecks | Flashcard Friends | Quizlet | |
| Import/export cards | yes | no | yes | yes |
| Directory | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Search | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Favorite or saved decks | yes | no | yes | yes |
| Groups | no | yes | no | yes |
| Tags | yes | yes | yes | no |
| Keyboard controls | yes | no | yes | no |
| Reverse front and back | yes | no | yes | yes |
| Tags | yes | yes | yes | no |
| Inbox | yes | no | yes | yes |
| Widget | no | yes | no | yes |
| Friends/contacts | yes | no | yes | yes |
| Profile | no | yes | yes | yes |
| Tests | no | no | yes | yes |
| Weekly reports | no | no | yes | no |
| Free plan | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Public and private | yes | no | no | yes |
| Audio | no | no | yes | no |
| Games | no | no | no | yes |
As we see with the chart above, the feature list of Quizlet is hard to beat for the range of options available to users, and with the learning games worked into it, Quizlet is likely to appeal to the greatest number of users. Second on the list for features would be Flashcard Friends, which offers to send weekly updates to teachers (or parents) about the users’ progress. This opens up a new possibility for users - tests and notifications could be used to conduct remote learning (online classes) or replacement tests for the student that is out sick.
Both FlashcardDB and SocialDecks have a twist to the flashcard system; FlashcardDB may only have one way to show flashcards, but uses the Leitner system (see our primer, Using Web 2.0 To Learn, for an explanation) which makes the application useful over an extended period, and SocialDecks uses tags to allow users to combine cards from other people with the same tag into their own decks.
The interface is always important, but especially with applications that are trying to promote study. The spacing, design, and color choice of Flashcard Friends, FlashcardDB, and Quizlet allow the user to focus more. SocialDecks, with its pink and purple background does the opposite, drowning out its features.
All of the applications this week have a diverse array of flashcards, but only SocialDecks did not support languages that are not Latin based; Flashcard Friends, FlashcardDB, and Quizlet each had a variety of decks in their directories. Quizlet and Flashcard Friends again took the lead (we suspect it’s the design) in sets for academics (SAT, GRE, college, high school).
If you would like to find out more about these applications and to discover applications like them, there is the Listio search: flashcards+learn.
Previously in this series: Quizlet: Finding the Fun In Flashcards
Application: SocialDecksListio Profile: http://www.listio.com/web20/app/SocialDecks/
Website: http://www.socialdecks.com
Application: FlashcardDBListio Profile: http://www.listio.com/web20/app/FlashcardDB/
Website: http://www.flashcarddb.com
Application: Flashcard FriendsListio Profile: http://www.listio.com/web20/app/Flashcard-Friends/
Website: http://www.flashcardfriends.com
Application: QuizletListio Profile: http://www.listio.com/web20/app/Quizlet/
Website: http://www.quizlet.com
New to Listio? Our tag cloud search offers an easy way to narrow your hunt for the perfect web application or service. No more second guessing of search terms. Just click on one tag, then as many more as you'd like to narrow your search results. It's easy and ensures you get to the listing you want. Finding web 2.0 was never so easy.
Tags: Flashcards, learn, personal, students, study, tests
Posted in: Flashcards, Product Comparisons | Respond
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December 23rd, 2008 at 6:37 am
You should include http://www.studystack.com in your comparison. When you enter flashcards on studystack, the site generates 10 different activities for you to use to study your information - flashcards, crossword, hangman, matching, fill in the blank, bug chase game, etc. You can also put your flashcards on your cell phone, PDA, or iPod.
December 23rd, 2008 at 4:11 pm
I personally think http://www.lexdex.com is better since it has all your textbooks already databased. But its definitely lacking in social features.
September 16th, 2009 at 4:51 pm
There is also Cram (http://www.simpleleap.com/cram.htm). It works on the Mac, iPhone, iPod, and BlackBerry. It also combines flashcards with an option to test in multiple-choice test mode.
Cram also takes Quizlet test material and includes it so you have a huge database of Cram and Quizlet tests.