What is it?

The Mixxer is a language tool created by Todd Bryant at Dickinson College.  This tool allows users to work together to learn a language of their choosing by connecting them through a blog and through the free VoIP service, Skype.

Key Features

• Free service
• Searchable list of users filtered by the spoken language of the user and the desired language
• Teacher can create/manage groups of users and create”Events” inviting a specific number of participants to interact with their class at a specific time.

How does it work?

Once a user creates an account he or she can begin searching for other users with which to interact.  The user can search other user’s blog posts and comment/help with other user’s requests.  The user can also search for other users based upon their spoken language and the language they desire to learn.  Once the user has found another user to converse with, the two users can agree on a specific time and duration of time that they will meet and converse via Skype.

Things to consider

This service is open to anyone.  Users must be careful to not give out personal information.  General caution should be observed when using any online service.

Uses as an Instructional Technology

A teacher can create an account, have his or her students create accounts and then contact Todd Bryant to set up a group.  This allows the teacher to monitor each of the students’ blogs.  This service can be used as a language learning tool.

Resources at Wooster

You can visit the Mixxer site here.

If you have questions about The Mixxer feel free to contact your Instructional Technology liaison.