FunnelBrain consists of an assembling of flashcards with academic questions and answers that can be created, edited and organized by its users. Getting started with FunnelBrain is quite simple. After you have registered for this free Web 2.0 tool, you can start creating flashcards by adding questions or by developing study terms to collaborate with classmates.
The Funnel is a system for studying flashcards that uses a spaced repetition learning approach modeled after The Leitner System, which is a system that was developed by the German science journalist Sebastian Leitner in the 1970s. The Funnel system is implemented so that the flashcards can be reviewed at increasing intervals. The idea is to sort flashcards into groups according to how well you know the information on each flashcard. If you know the answer to the question on the flashcard, that flashcard moves to the next level. If you do not know the information, the flashcard is sent back to the first level. The repetition of material is spaced in a way for you to spend most of your time studying material that is more challenging.
When you enable the Funnel System by either selecting the categories of preset flashcards, or flashcards that you have created, your cards are automatically added to the repetition format. All you need to do is work through your flashcards and tell the system whether you got the question right or wrong. The learning pattern will automatically space your flashcards based on your results. As you progress through each level challenging yourself to reach the brain, you can also choose to take tests on the material you have learned. These tests can be created by the instructor and placed into the Funnel System, or you have the choice of taking the preset tests within the Funnel System for the material you have studied.
I really like to see programs like this that help in learning and in memorization. I used to do some unconventional techniques to memorize concepts and help me on tests. I used to put terms and their meanings, and then find a way to represent them graphically, similar to a storyboard (which I use now a lot in my career). I would memorize the drawings, and when I got the test, I would draw in the test those drawings, and then remember what they meant. It sound like an extra step, but memorizing a drawing was much easier to me than a definition. I wish there were web 2.0 programs like this also. A visual learner's flash card funnel :)
ReplyDeleteMarty,
ReplyDeleteI noticed Funnel brain in my search of web 2.0 tools but I didn't end up picking it. I'm glad to see you were able to find use for it. I'm focusing on musical literacy: the ability for students to sight read and their overall ability to comprehend the language of music in reference to notes on the staff.
Growing up, I had flash cards for such a thing and just like learning any vocabulary while it doesn't utilize higher order thinking skills in terms of memorization, the amount of time and effort needed to gain proficiency should not go underestimated.
I will consider this as a potential resource for the future; not just for note recognition but for all musical terminology and topics.