A New Web App That Doesn’t Suck

24 Jan 2007

Quizlet is a well thought out, well implemented educational web application that offers a focussed set of tools aimed at specific learning outcomes. Just the kind of thing I used to aim for when I was a developer at Griffith, and a goal I know from experience is harder to achieve than it might sound.

I’ll let the press release tell you what Quizlet does:

After entering a list of vocabulary words and definitions, users are given three ways to study them: a simple flashcard method; a highly-configurable test page including written, matching, multiple-choice, and true/false questions; and a specialized “Learn” mode that tracks the userís knowledge of individual words and retests the user only on unlearned words. The siteís most innovative features include a live chat box which classmates may use to discuss vocabulary usage (or to gossip about teachers); groups that allow users to alert classmates about new sets they have entered and to edit sets collaboratively; the ability to import data from other websites and documents quickly and easily; and the ability to quickly combine word sets to study large quantities of vocabulary at once.

Created by Andrew Sutherland and tested over the past year by some of Andrew’s friends (myself included), Quizlet is a great example of using Web2.0MG concepts to enhance a quality product, instead of just creating another tag-happy circle jerk.

Check it out, I think you might like it.

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Comments

  1. Jim Whimpey:

    Quizlet really is great. I’ve never seen a more practical and genuinely useful use of AJAX. I can really see myself using it.

    Great to see your blog come out of a state of stagnation by the way ;) .

  2. Tuna:

    Bet there are more than 3 people reading this blog… :)

    Quizlet has lots of application, you could detach the engine from the current topics and really use with in any short answer intention exercise. It has great potential.

  3. Joey Brooks:

    I fully expect more posts on a more timely basis.

    And congrats to Andrew on finally getting Quizlet out! :D

  4. Matt:

    “just creating another tag-happy circle jerk.”

    Bwhahahaha. Great one :D

    But yeah, I really like Quizlet. It’s certainly a very interesting little app.