Learning Project Management
just installed mental case after seeing a positive mention on lifehacker--and being interested in these kinds of apps after the wired mag super memo profile.
about to undertake intensive six week project management certification class and wondering best way(s) mental case could help me learn the info and prepare for the exam.
1. does mental case seem like the right fit?
2. with 12-15 meaty chapters of material, would you recommend a single case--or a case for each chapter?
3. after watching the demo, searching site, and viewing the tips/uses/examples, am looking for more info about the schedule feature and what underlies it. is there an algorithm that changes rate material is introduced? is mental case using the same principals as supermemo?
4. are there any other general recommendations you can make before undertaking this effort?
thanks
Spaced Repetition
Mental Case uses learning schedules based on research used in supermemo, but the 'algorithm' is quite a bit simpler than supermemo. Basically, each learning schedule has a number of time periods, which get longer as the schedule proceeds. These periods are designed to optimize the efficiency of learning: your memory retention versus the time spent studying. You can see what these periods are when you select the lesson schedule in the preferences.
We have recently introduced 'correction' too, which means that you can indicate that you got a note wrong, and it will remain in your lesson (or be rescheduled; see preferences for details).
In general, I think MC strikes a good balance between complexity and learning efficiently. You can get many of the benefits of supermemo, without being a rocket scientist, and in a fun to use app.
As for organizing your notes, it's all up to you. One case per chapter would seem like a good approach, but you can easily move notes around later if you find out it is not such a good idea.
Drew McCormack
Mental Case Developer