Creating virtual flashcards in the anatomical sciences using MemoryLifter technology

MemoryLifter is a free virtual flashcard system that has great potential in the field of anatomical education. We used this technology to create a set of Introductory Radiologic Flashcards. Although radiologic images were used for our flashcards, MemoryLifter can also incorporate text, audio and video into flashcards. MemoryLifter is user‐friendly and flexible – as you create flashcards, you define the features of the module. Attributes that can be customized include: number of flashcards; organization of cards into chapters; learning modes available for cards (e.g. multiple choice, fill‐in‐the‐blank, image recognition, listening comprehension, etc.); and feedback given when users choose correct and incorrect answers. Flashcards can be imported into MemoryLifter from an excel spreadsheet, or created individually in MemoryLifter. Once a learning module is created, it is not static. At any time you can add or delete cards, edit existing cards, change the status of a card (active or inactive), and move cards within the chapter organization. Virtual flashcards appeal to students because they are portable ‐ MemoryLifter is available on mobile devices such as PDAs, iPhone and iPad. Our experience using Memorylifter to create virtual flashcards was positive. The technology has many benefits for both educators and learners. This work was supported by Dartmouth Medical School and LearnLift.