Hi CDX8412,
I checked out the Morse Academy overview, and I am not sure if I fully understand it. What I gather is that it sends you characters
and displays them on the screen. I am not a real big fan of that, because you
hear code; you don't
see it.
This may be a "quick and dirty" way of passing the test, but it actually may be more difficult in the long run and it doesn't help your chances of using/copying code practically. But your mileage may vary!
When I started out learning code, I ordered the Introduction to Morse Code CD, which is sold by the ARRL. I can't recommend this. If I could go back, I would start out using the G4FON software which teaches using the Koch method.
What I found myself doing early on with the ARRL CD is creating a 'look-up' table in my head, instead of actually hearing the character sent. This is because the code is sent with spacing between characters, and you actually have the time to do the look-up.
On the other hand, with the Koch method (like the G4FON software), I started out at a 'high' speed to make it impossible to count dits and dahs. You only start out with two letters and gradually add more. Pretty soon I actually heard the letters!
Here is a good article on this topic:
click here
SW, I can't really comment on the code quick, I would assume that is is better than creating that 'look-up' table in your head filled with dits and dahs. You are actually hearing a memory tool that sounds like a character, which takes extra time, but I certainly believe it is a better way to start than the way I did.
Another thing, never look at a printed table of morse code! That is completely useless to me, since code is heard not seen.
Everybody learns code differently and at different speeds (those musically inclined seem to learn it faster!). For that reason I hesitate to say any one training program or method will help all learn.
Also, the AA9PW site has practice QSO's that are very good once you have learned all the characters. They even have practice QSO's with questions, like the real test.
Sorry to run off at the mouth, but I enjoy code.
Hope this helps someone.