The social network where you can't understand anyone: LiveMocha

Plenty of language learning tools leverage technology. Recently I've taken to listening to the Coffee Break Spanish courses on my iPod during my commute, and last week Jessica Dolcourt covered the new online language learning system Mango. There's yet another system being released at DemoFall tomorrow that also looks very compelling: LiveMocha.

You can chat (using text or audio) with other language learners.

Like other language learning tools, LiveMocha has online lessons you can take at your own pace. Compared with Mango, I found LiveMocha easier to get into. My test case was beginning Spanish, and lessons flew by as my vocabulary and comprehension grew quickly. But what really sets LiveMocha apart from other systems is its social system: after you take a lesson, you can practice your knowledge by either writing or recording your answer to a question aimed at other learners of your level.

Other LiveMocha users who know the language you're learning are the ones who critique your response. If you're learning Spanish, then a native Spanish speaker will give you feedback. Likewise, you'll be asked to give feedback for people learning the language you speak. You can also connect in real time with other users (either already speaking your language or learning it) and talk with them using guidelines for conversation that pop up when you connect. Eventually, you might set up a network of fellow learners.

Language is a social tool, so it makes sense to learn one in a social setting. If you can't get yourself into a classroom or immerse yourself in a new culture, this system--free during beta test--is worth a try.

[edufire]

LiveMocha is great in that it is bringing social themes to online education. That's something that has been sorely lacking in the past. We're building something similar at eduFire. It's a little more multimedia-focused though and we'll be launching soon. In the meantime, we have a blog set up with hundreds of free articles, podcasts and videos for language learners. Link is below:

http://blog.edufire.com

[Stu1111]

I did find another one, apart from the ones in the comments: http://www.studentteacherexchange.com/ which is completely free and uses chat/video/voice and whiteboards as well.

They are new but my guess is they will be booming soon since they charge nothing.

[jeejee4]

Hi is nice to be on this site, So nice to meet u guys.