Anki, a flashcard creator and manager
Autonomous learningFlashcard creators
Description: Anki is a flashcard tool for learning and memorising words, expressions, facts, and more through repetition. Users can create their own flashcard decks or download pre-made ones from the AnkiWeb platform and start learning. Anki supports text, audio, image and video. While an account is not required to use the tool, syncing across devices does require one. Anki can be downloaded on computers, laptops and smartphones. Anki was developed by Damien Elmes and is free and open-source.
Evaluation: Anki is a valuable tool for memorising facts and words, thus being useful for any subject or language. Students can use it to record and save unknown words in their target language and later test their knowledge, while teachers can share flashcards with their students to study individually at home or recreate a quiz in the classroom by creating a flashcard deck with specific questions. Downloading suitable flashcard decks made and shared by other users can save lots of time and is a remarkable way to benefit from an unselfish community of language learners and enthusiasts. Since Anki also supports video and audio, it can be used for enhancing pronunciation, although it is mainly designed for language acquisition.
Cost: Free to use without registration on all operating systems except for iOS, where there is a one-time fee of $24.99.
Usability and tech notes ▼
Time efficiency 
Time needed to learn how to use a tool and its time-saving potential: Medium. It takes time and dedication to create a flashcard deck given that the content is created by the user. However, decks created by other users can be easily accessed and downloaded.
Interface language(s) The number of languages in which the tool is currently available/adaptable to: More than 40 languages.
Respect for privacy What data does the tool collect and why? What security measures are there? GDPR compliant? : High(?). Anki collects cookies but refrains from using Google Analytics and other similar services. Also, it does not employ personal data for advertising or marketing purposes. Data is stored in data centres in the EU and the USA. Overall, Anki’s privacy section demonstrates a strong commitment to transparency, data minimisation, and user data protection, although it could be more extensive. It does not state compliance with the GDPR. See more here.
Saving work for future use Can work be saved for future use?: Yes
Any other relevant information:
- Installation required?: Yes.
- Compatibility/ Operating System: Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android.