How To Use Anki Like A Pro [Full Step-By-Step Walkthrough]

Summary

In this video, the speaker shares advanced techniques for using Anki effectively in studying, particularly for medical students. Key methods include the use of the image occlusion tool to create flashcards from lecture slides, tagging flashcards by difficulty level for targeted review, and using a timer to prevent overloading on difficult cards. The speaker emphasizes breaking down large flashcards into smaller, manageable sections to improve retention. These strategies aim to enhance study efficiency and retention, especially for complex topics, and help students prioritize difficult content as exams approach.

Takeaways

• 😀 Use the **Image Occlusion Tool** combined with screenshots to create flashcards directly from lecture slides or textbooks, minimizing the need for manual typing.
• 😀 You can **tag flashcards** by difficulty (easy, medium, hard) to help prioritize difficult topics when studying, especially as exams approach.
• 😀 Create **filtered decks** in Anki based on tags to focus on the most challenging topics. This helps optimize your study sessions and improve retention.
• 😀 Utilize a **timer method** (e.g., 10 seconds) for each flashcard to stay focused and prevent spending too much time on any single card.
• 😀 Break down **complex flashcards** into smaller chunks of information (e.g., memorize parts of a diagram) to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
• 😀 When studying for exams, make sure you focus on the **most difficult flashcards** first to maximize your chances of mastering the hard topics.
• 😀 Anki's **space repetition system** allows you to review cards based on how well you know them, ensuring efficient use of your study time.
• 😀 **Tagging cards** also helps you group them by subject or topic (e.g., cardiology, EKG), making it easier to organize your study sessions.
• 😀 Use **image occlusion** to hide parts of diagrams and figures, forcing you to recall key information and reinforcing your understanding.
• 😀 A strategic review approach, including the use of **tags, filters, and timers**, enables you to study efficiently while minimizing stress during exam prep.
• 😀 Regularly refine your study techniques based on what works best for you, adjusting tags, timer settings, and study priorities as needed.

Q & A

What is the primary purpose of using the Image Occlusion tool in Anki?

The Image Occlusion tool in Anki helps create flashcards by blocking out parts of an image to quiz yourself on specific information. This tool is ideal for visual learners and allows quick flashcard creation from lecture slides or textbooks without the need for manual input.

How can screenshots be effectively used in Anki to enhance study sessions?

Screenshots can be used to capture key study material, such as lecture slides or diagrams. By applying the Image Occlusion tool to these screenshots, users can hide parts of the image and create multiple flashcards to focus on specific details, streamlining the study process.

What is the advantage of tagging flashcards based on difficulty in Anki?

Tagging flashcards based on difficulty allows users to prioritize harder topics. By creating filtered decks for 'hard' cards, students can focus on the material that is most challenging, ensuring they spend more time on areas that require additional review.

What is a filtered deck in Anki, and how does it work?

A filtered deck in Anki allows users to create custom decks by applying specific filters, such as tags for difficulty levels. For example, a user can create a filtered deck to focus only on flashcards labeled as 'hard' to maximize study efficiency when preparing for an exam.

How does the timer method improve the efficiency of studying with Anki?

The timer method involves setting a time limit (e.g., 10 seconds) to answer each flashcard, preventing over-focusing on individual cards. This technique ensures a steady pace and encourages reviewing all topics without dwelling too long on any one card, which helps maintain energy and focus during study sessions.

Why is it important to break down large flashcards into smaller bits of information?

Breaking down large flashcards into smaller, digestible chunks helps manage the learning process more effectively. This approach prevents feeling overwhelmed and allows for gradual mastery of complex topics, while ensuring that each section receives equal attention over time.

How can using smaller sections of flashcards impact retention and energy levels?

By focusing on smaller sections at a time, students avoid cognitive overload and maintain better retention. This method also helps sustain energy levels throughout the study session, as it reduces the pressure of trying to memorize everything at once.

What role does the use of tags play in organizing study material in Anki?

Tags allow users to categorize flashcards in various ways, such as by topic or difficulty. This organization makes it easier to filter and focus on specific areas of study, improving efficiency and enabling a tailored review process for different exam needs.

How can the Image Occlusion tool help users avoid typing extensive notes into Anki?

The Image Occlusion tool helps users skip the need for typing by allowing them to directly use images or screenshots as study material. It automatically generates flashcards by masking parts of the image, so users can focus on memorizing the material without manual input.

What is the significance of the speaker's advice to avoid 'getting too crazy' with questions while using Anki?

The speaker advises not to overcomplicate questions or focus too much on the details, which can make studying stressful. Instead, the goal is to simplify the process and concentrate on essential concepts, allowing the system's spaced repetition to help reinforce learning naturally.