Apparatus and methods are presented for the automated creation, update, distribution, acquisition, and use of learning tools designed to aid users in memorizing information and learning new concepts. Apparatus comprises learning tools that contain the data to be presented to users as well as information describing how the data is to be presented, a learning tool engine that provides user interaction and learning tool operation, an optional peer-to-peer client that may be combined with a learning tool engine to acquire and distribute learning tools, a swarm that manages learning tools and descriptors and user-to-user communications, and a builder that creates and updates learning tools. Methods comprise creating new learning tools, updating learning tools as new, improved, or corrected materials become available, creating and managing unique identifiers, sharing learning tools with others, and coordinating the activities of multiple simultaneous users of learning tools.