Online Study Tools: Quizlet Reviewed

What Is It?

Quizlet is an online flashcard program that allows you to make your own cards or search from a large database of existing flashcard sets. Registration is free, though a premium membership is offered for $10 a year. Premium membership will allow you to use the site ad-free, and it also introduces a few perks - like letting you upload your own images to use for flashcards. However, the bulk of Quizlet's tools are available for free.

Within each flashcard set, you can enter learn and test modes, or you can play study games. In learn mode, you will be prompted with definitions, and you will need to enter the corresponding term. You can opt to be prompted with terms instead. Test mode uses written, matching, multiple choice and true/false questions, and allows you to set parameters like how many of your total terms to include. The two study games offer additional means to test your knowledge of terms and definitions in the set.

As of January 2010, Quizlet offers audio flashcards in English, Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, Japanese and Korean. Quizlet also offers mobile apps for devices operating on Android and iOS platforms, among others. In addition to these features, the ability to embed your flashcards on a website was also added.

Why Is It Cool?

Of the flashcard programs I reviewed, Quizlet offers the widest range of study tools, and those tools are all very useful. I like the range from flashcards to games; to me, it seems like you'd be able to really prepare yourself for memorization tests using this program alone. Users have a lot of control over configuration and usage as well, making this program versatile and adaptable to multiple subject areas. This site was also the easiest to use, with the clearest instructions and the most user-friendly interface.

This ease-of-use helps to bolster the community involvement aspect of the site. While other programs also allow for flashcard set sharing, Quizlet makes this feature easier by providing clear instructions and multiple options for sharing. You can even link the program to your Facebook, allowing you and your friends to view one another's activity and share sets that way. Quizlet also offers a variety mobile apps, which give you to access your sets on your phone.

What Are Its Drawbacks?

Before audio capabilities were added, Quizlet's lack of those capabilities was the program's only major flaw when compared to other study tools. I still considered it a great resource, even without those capabilities. Now that it features audio flashcards, this site is even better than it was before. The range of language support offered makes this a great program for foreign language students. I think it would be a good idea for Quizlet to add support for more languages, making the program more useful to a wider range of students.

Where Can I Find It?

You can access Quizlet by clicking here.