PURPOSE
Anki is an open-source flashcard program that employs spaced repetition and
active recall to optimize long-term retention. Despite its popularity among
medical students, limited research has examined how specific features—such as
the “type-in-the-answer” card format—impact performance in visually intensive
subjects like histology. This study aims to evaluate whether using a
standardized Anki deck with this interactive feature improves academic
performance in first-year medical histology content.
METHODS
This cohort quasi-experimental study will be conducted at Rocky Vista
University, Montana College of Osteopathic Medicine, during the 2025–2026
academic year. First-year students (N = 133) were invited to participate,
assigned to the experimental group, and given a pre-made “type-in-the-answer”
Anki histology deck for the school year. The control group will be those who
don’t have access to the deck, using other personal study methods.
Participants completed a pre-study survey assessing demographics, study
habits, and prior Anki experience. Anki usage data (time spent, cards
reviewed, and review frequency) will be extrapolated via an “add-on” tool we
developed. Statistics will be deidentified with the participants' ID numbers.
Histology exam scores will be collected and de-identified by faculty, then
compared between the two experimental groups. Independent t-tests will be
used to compare quantitative data, while qualitative data from the pre- and
post-study surveys will be analyzed with a chi-square test.
RESULTS
Results will be presented as late-breaking data pending completion of
ongoing data collection and analysis.
CONCLUSION
We anticipate that students using the interactive Anki deck will show
higher exam performance and improved recall of histological features compared
to those in the control group. These findings may help guide medical
educators and institutions in adopting evidence-based, interactive digital
learning tools to enhance student performance and support more effective
curriculum design.