Declan Flashcards

Type: Software - flashcard application for multiple platforms

Cost: USD - 

iPhone app: $14.99

iPad app: $14.99

Android app: $14.99

Mac OSX: $14.99

Windows: $29.75

Also available in a free trial version on all platforms.
Website: http://www.declan-software.com/indonesian/index.htm

Audience: Complete beginner +

To me, flashcards have always seemed very "American homeschool pushy parent". I don't know where this really comes from, perhaps some terrible movies from growing up in the 80's. We never really used flashcards at my school for anything, so I am not used to their benefits. 

I use the iPhone version, and downloaded the free version a while back. I found it quite useful, but like many people I was hesitant to spend more than $1.99 on any app since there are so many free and cheap apps out there. I have since readjusted my opinions on this and today bought the full version while taking a train into the city. I found it quick to learn, and on my 35 minute trip I mastered the days of the week.

It's a quick download, because it only loads the first couple of WordFiles and leaves the others for manual download. This makes it handy for downloading over 3G, but if you want, you can also download all WordFiles at once.

The app starts with a list of WordFiles, in many, many categories such as "Numbers", "Family", "Nature", "School", "Medical" etc. After reviewing the words, there are four types of exercises:

Word - the Indonesian word is displayed, and you choose the English translation from 5 options

Meaning - the English word is displayed, and you choose the Indonesian translation from 5 options

Spelling - the English word is displayed and you type in the Indonesian translation

Listening - the Indonesian word is spoken, and you choose the English translation from 5 options

Two things I really like about this software: One, you can add individual words to a "sticky list". Two, you can now create your own wordlists. Truth be told the whole language is probably contained in all those WordFiles, but you'd have to wade through a lot to find a particular word, so it's good to have the option. 

Two things I don't like about this software: One, you buy the software only for one device. True, you can download the iPhone version onto an iPad, but you can't download the iPad version unless you pay again. Two, I would like to be able to test myself on more than 10 words at a time.