SuperMemo

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SuperMemo
SuperMemo Desktop
Developer: SuperMemo World
Latest release: version 2006 (v. 13) / March 2007
OS: Windows, Palm OS, PocketPC, Web, and more
Use: Accelerated Learning & Memory Software
License: Proprietary
Website: SuperMemo.com

SuperMemo (from Super Memory -- Memo in SuperMemo has nothing to do with a "memo" as in Memorandum) is a learning method and software package developed by SuperMemo World in Poland from 1985 to the present. It is a practical application of the so-called spaced repetition that has been proposed for efficient instruction by a number of psychologists as early as in the 1930s. Author of the learning method, and lead programmer of the software, is Piotr Wozniak.

Proponents of the method (such as manic and power-user Piotr Wozniak) claim that it makes possible faster learning and indefinite retention of memories (with repetition). See "SuperMemo really works!" from the main SuperMemo website.

The method is available as a computer program for Windows, Windows CE, Palm Pilot, etc. It can also be used in a web browser or even without a computer. SuperMemo is based on research into long-term memory.

The Windows version of SuperMemo supports incremental reading.

Contents

[edit] Software Implementation

The software implementation of the SuperMemo algorithm in its most rudimentary and basic form is simply this: A database of Question & Answer (Q&A) fields (or more practically, digital and electronic flash-cards). The database is either a pre-made collection, self-made, or in some cases both through Merging.

The software then traverses with the user through each element that is scheduled for repetition (a new set of "reps" is computed for each day on the calender). The program scientifically gathers information about the user's memory through their responses and grades to their active recalls (conscious response to their questions -- giving a conscious answer as opposed to passive review).

In 3 simple steps, the reviewing (or repetition) process goes like this (from the user's perspective):

1. The user is given a quesiton by SuperMemo
2. The user responds with an answer from their own mind (active recall)
3. The user gives themselves a grade of what best reflects their recall. (A-E grade, or 5-0 grade -- depending on what version and/or platform).

SuperMemo then calculates the necessary intervals for proposed repetitions of a single item or flash-cards.

[edit] Platforms and Flexibility -- Mobility

As stated above, SuperMemo runs on many different platforms. This adds to its power and flexibility for the user. For example, if a user is going on vacation or will be absent from his computer for some time, he can export his desktop database as an XML file and import it into his PocketPC or Palm Pilot (NOTE: XML support for the Palm Pilot version is awaiting its release and is expected to arrive soon). In some cases, a user can even use SuperMemo on his or her mobile telephone (e.g. Smart Phone).

Some PocketPC users will run the Palm OS version (in addition to the WinCE/PocketPC version) on Windows Mobile (PocketPC) devices through the StyleTap platform (basically a PalmOS emulator for the PPC), much in the way like CodeWeavers CrossOver for Mac & Linux for Windows SuperMemo. The Palm OS version of SuperMemo has many features that WinCE SM does not, and vice-versa. The integration of being able to use both on one handheld makes it easier as for (example situation:) someone that liked the Palm version but wants to move to the PocketPC. -- They don't have to give up the Palm version, and especially don't have to carry an "extra PDA" around. ("extra PDA" being their old PalmPilot would be required without some sort of emulation on the PPC's part because as mentioned before, XML is still being developed for the Palm version of SM. XML by-the-way, makes it possible to easily transport all learning process information from platform-to-platform).

SuperMemo is also available as a 'Multimedia' edition in which the user can simply run it off on any supported PC from a CD-ROM.

The Web edition of SuperMemo is accessible from anywhere in the world with an Internet connection. It is quite limited though (as of this writing) in which a person cannot upload databases of their own from a desktop machine, and one can not download databases from their servers. It is strictly web-only. The benefit of it though, is that a user can select from a range of pre-made (many free) databases that include many different multimedia elements, like sound, pictures, and even video footage.

Many beginners find that the full-blown desktop package can be a little daunting and/or overwhelming with its sets of features & functions; therefore new-comers of the SuperMemo method will often give one of the mobile versions a "shot" -- they are much more simple (mainly the interfaces -- closer to classical SuperMemo) and thus allow the user to relax and get comfortable with this new style and idiom of learning (not to mention, the price for these versions are considerably much lower than the desktop SM). From there, a user can then (depending on their liking and "growth" to the method) make an upgrade to the more powerful Desktop version.

[edit] See also

[edit] External links

[edit] SuperMemo

[edit] Articles

[edit] Related/Similar Software

[edit] Software based on SuperMemo

  • Speedometry (Commercial) On-line e-learning service for Israeli psychometric and matriculation exams.
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