The More You Knowt: Staffer tries a Quizlet alternative called Knowt after Quizlet becomes premium

One dreadful night a few weeks ago, I sat at my dining room table, ready to memorize all 25 words for my Honors English vocabulary test using Quizlet’s trusty “Learn” feature, until I was rudely interrupted by a message.

“Unlock more rounds to reach mastery. Upgrade to Quizlet Plus and get more practice rounds for this set.”

I was heartbroken — Quizlet had committed the ultimate act of betrayal. I’ve relied on Quizlet to study for tests for the last three years. I wouldn’t pass my Chemistry class without the “Learn” feature — which allows users to memorize their desired terms and definitions with multiple choice, true/false written and flashcard questions. My grades are almost as at stake as my heart.

Why would I pay $35 for a feature I’ve used for free since seventh grade?

A week later, my French teacher Gina Halksworth told my class about a free Quizlet knock-off called Knowt.

I haven’t turned back since.

Knowt is a study tool that allows students to either create their own study deck or import a study deck from Quizlet or Google Drive. It uses features such as flashcards, learn, spaced repetition and practice test to help students master their terms and definitions — with no payment for a “premium” version required.

When I first opened Knowt, I was delighted to see that the flashcards, learn and practice test features look almost identical to Quizlet’s. This made for a smooth transition between the study sites.

My absolute favorite feature is their version of “learn,” which helps you master your terms through the same methods as Quizlet, plus with written questions as well. When you get a question wrong, the system repeats the term frequently until you get it right a couple of times — a feature Quizlet never had.
This feature can’t be replaced. I’ve tried using paper flashcards and other flashcard programs, but nothing compares to the “Learn” feature. The difference between my confidence going into a test after using the “Learn” feature and only using flashcards is the biggest difference in my grades.

One part of Knowt that stands out against Quizlet is the “Spaced Repetition Feature.” This is a scientifically backed study method, according to Knowt, that allows you to select your test date and helps you study over the days leading up to your test.

Once you answer a question, the options “study again,” “not sure,” and “easy” pop up. If you got the answer completely wrong, you choose “study again” and the term pops up five minutes later while if you thought the question was easy, it appears again in two days. The terms you already know don’t take up any of your study time, and you can study more effectively through this feature.

So farewell Quizlet, you really won’t be missed.