Recall keyboard shortcut
I'd like to see a keyboard shortcut to begin the Recall section of Flashcards without using the mouse. Using the mouse causes lost time for the left hand to find the home keys on the keyboard. If there was a keyboard shortcut then the fingers could stay on the home keys to begin the test.
A natural key for this task might be the spacebar, but you could code any key to do it if you link the key to a graphic (underlined or some other attribute) on the words "Begin Recall". Maybe the "B" for begin could be an intuitive shortcut key too.
Taking this one step further, it would be nice to create a short cut key for Retry Recall too. I think that would make multiple consecutive tests poisslbe without ever using the mouse.
3 Answers
I think a better solution would be to remove the timed aspect of the lessons entirely and concentrate on what is known rather than how fast one can type it.
If you wanted to make it simple to type, just manipulate the answers. Let's use, say an apostrophe ' to mean an accent mark. If the answer were artículo, for example, just make arti'culo the correct answer. Very easy to type without a 2 key combination or moving your hand around the keyboard.
However, the focus of the lessons should not be on quickly recreating the format of the answer but on knowing the correct answer. There needs to be a new method of testing, since people don't seem to be able to quit focusing on the scores and just do the lessons in whatever manner teaches them the most.
Another simple solution would be to leave the lessons as they are and just remove the scores. There is no reason for comparative scoring or setting minimun scores, etc. Don't evaluate your progress by comparing it to someone who may have an entirely different background or be on a different level in their Spanish studies.
I like your idea! 
"I think a better solution would be to remove the timed aspect of the lessons entirely and concentrate on what is known rather than how fast one can type it."
You just hit the raw nerve about where the emphasis should be on learning. I have mulled over that very same idea. In the end I have to admit that I like the timed aspect of it, despite sometimes being frustrated that it's often a test of typing skills instead of Spanish.
That being said, I do have an interest in improving my Spanish typing skills. To me it's inevitable so why not "bite the bullet" now? Since I'm new at the Spanish keyboard this does absorb a lot of practice time to start to get it right.
It may not be perfect but it does satisfy one criterion of a competitive learning situation: The speed at which you respond is linked to the level of instant recognition. It is one imperfect way to get some idea of how well you own the material or don't own it.
I think the tests can also be utilized in other ways. Sometimes I use them for repetitive typing of the words without paying any attention to the scores. Same with the mousing tests that require a good deal of mousing coordination to do rapidly. It's all imperfect but it's probably as useful as anything I've found on the Internet. Utility tells me that it doesn't have to be perfect to get the job done.
