[Proposal] Flashcard XBlock
This proposal has been withdrawn in favor of the Games Block proposal.
TL;DR
Flashcards are an essential tool in the pedagogical toolkit when a subject requires some amount of memorization to be commanded effectively. There is currently no official flashcard functionality in Open edX.
We plan to introduce an official, optionally enabled Flashcard block.
Problem
Many topics covered in education require some degree of memorization. Some common examples include:
Discipline-specific Terms (solecism in English composition, aperture in Photography, kernel in computing)
Second language vocabulary (Spanish-English: limpiar <-> to clean),
Formulas and Theorems (Pythagorian theorem, Ohm’s law)
Approximate or precise values for constants (Pi ~ 3.14159, e ~ 2.71828)
Questions covered from a licensure exam bank (“What is the maximum permitted transmitter output power when operating a model craft by telecommand?” “1 watt”)
A very common study method for this data employs the use of ‘flashcards’-- typically index cards where learners write a term on one side and define it on the other. Some instructors create PDFs of flashcards for easy printing and cut-out to assist learners. However, this requires physical actions and resources on behalf of learners to compile these cards.
Use Cases
As an instructor, I want to provide definitions for terms to my learners in a manner that assists in memorizing them.
As an instructor, I want to create flashcards covering key concepts in my course, so that learners can review and reinforce important material.
As a learner, I want a set of flashcards I can access electronically to practice memorization.
As a learner, I want to review flashcards multiple times, so that I can progressively improve my recall.
As a learner, I want to be able to shuffle my electronic flashcards so that my memorization is not bound to order of appearance.
Proposed Solution
Flashcards that are electronically available in online courses have several advantages: They don’t require a printer, nor index cards. Cards cannot be lost (barring data loss by an instructor/systems administrator), and the content they cover can be made consistent with what is expected on any subsequent exams. Further, they require no additional prep work to use.
We (OpenCraft) propose the contribution of an XBlock for the common task of flashcard-style memorization. This block creates virtual flashcards that enable learners to memorize content, and improve recall over time.
Based on the current version, here is what a learner sees when starting a flashcard session:
The learner may choose to shuffle the cards before they begin. Once they’ve hit start, they’re presented with a flash card containing some kind of question or prompt:
They can then tap or click the flash card to flip the card and view the correct answer:
In Studio, the instructor is provided with two settings screens. An initial one offers the ability to customize colors:
…Which can affect the the final appearance like so:
After hitting ‘continue’ on the color settings, a second settings page enables the definition of new flashcards:
Scrolling down on the right-hand side shows where the answer is defined:
Implementation Plan
The Flashcards XBlock will be moved to the Open edX Organization
The Flashcards XBlock should be audited with an eye for contribution as an official XBlock, and any currently blocking deficiencies addressed.
The Flashcard XBlock will be included in the base installation as an advanced, optional module that instructors can add to their courses. Alternatively, it will be an officially supported extension.
Our client is offering to sponsor the contribution of this XBlock to the project and so this work is expected to be funded.
https://github.com/open-craft/FlashcardsXBlock
Long-term ownership and maintenance plans
We anticipate that several teams will need this functionality, and core contributors from OpenCraft will be actively involved in its development. These contributors will continue to assist with maintenance. If needed, one or more point persons can be designated as the primary contact for this code after its release.
Contact Person
Fox Piacenti (fox at opencraft.com )
Other Approaches Considered
It is possible to use problem blocks to check memorization, but this is cumbersome when there is a higher count of items to memorize. While some randomization elements exist for problems (such as via libraries), these randomization capabilities are centered around examination – I.E., ensuring that the user receives fresh problems, rather than ensuring that they get enough exposure to certainly memorize answers.
Another alternative would be to embed H5P content. However, this creates additional problems with maintenance, consistency with the user experience, and control.
Competitive Research
Neither Moodle nor Canvas has built-in support for flashcards. Open edX would be leading here by having them first.
Open Questions About Rollout or Releases
None, at present.