Stephanie+Papak+-+Livemocha


 * What: ** Livemocha
 * Web Address: **@http://livemocha.com/
 * Student's Name: **Stephanie Papak
 * Grade Levels: **All
 * Content Areas: **World languages


 * Abstract: ** Livemocha is a website community where people can go to practice and learn languages. Users create a profile and take lessons on whatever they specify wanting to learn. Lessons are on a variety of topics and focuses (numbers, pronunciation, greetings, etc.). Signing up for the site is free, but more "advanced" lessons can be purchased and are intended to help practice more conversational and advanced skills than the free lessons. There are also two new applications that will be available soon: study aids and classes.


 * Personal Experience: ** I have used this site in the past (only briefly as a requirement for an undergraduate class) but it has changed a lot since then. The site requires you to be a participant if you want to learn. Lessons cost money (fake, Livemocha money or real money if you choose – not required) and you need to make money to buy lessons. You make money by helping others with their lessons. Also, you can have language partners around the world that you are more personalized with and help each other with writing and speaking exercises and most people on the site are really willing to help. They are also going to create more ways to interact with language partners soon. I like this idea of real interaction for students. It creates culturally relevant and responsive language learning experiences. The lessons incorporate pictures as well as pronunciation. However, there are some limitations with text and translations. All in all, I believe it is good speaking practice and turns the language learning experience into more of a game that students can supplement as an out of classroom experience, or during a lab day.