FTP4.5 ANKI digital flashcards: an effective tool for undergraduate musculoskeletal revision

Abstract

Abstract Introduction ANKI is a programme that allows users to produce digital flashcards consisting of text, pictures and/or videos. It is based on the principle of active recall and spaced repetition creating an effective revision tool. This study investigated the benefits of ANKI digital flashcards used by 2nd year medical students when revising their musculoskeletal (MSK) module. Method A prospective study of 121 2nd year medical students at the Anglia Ruskin University. Learning objectives were stated at the start of each MSK lecture. Each student created ANKI flashcards for the learning objective assigned to them. These flashcards were combined to create a crowdsourced complete MSK deck available to the entire cohort. Anonymised student feedback was obtained at the beginning and end of the module. Results The mean value of a Likert scoring system (1least – 5most) from both surveys was used. Pre-assignment questions assessing students’ familiarity and aspiration towards ANKI: Use cards as part of revision =3.24; Comfort with IT systems=3.82; Familiar with ANKI system=4.04, Interest in using ANKI =3.88. Post assignment questions to assess the outcome success: Would you use ANKI for revision =4.55, Use ANKI in other modules =3.95. Free text responses included praise towards communal effort, manageable workload and creation of a revision resource. Conclusion ANKI provided an additional useful digital resource learning and revision for medical students. The cards created by students, for students, provided autonomy. However, this effected the quality of some slides. Overall, the feedback was positive with this assignment expanded to other modules.