VoIP

Online communication (Source: Geralt, goo.gl/sqZYLp, under CC0 Public Domain licence)

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) permits internet telephony on computers or mobile devices. Nowadays there is a grey area between traditional VoIP services like Skype (which was retired in 2025, with users being directed instead to Microsoft Teams) and chat & messaging services, with many companies providing both audio/video call and messaging options. VoIP, much like chat and messaging, is linked with web 2.0 in that it involves user interactions and exchanges, and with mobile learning in that it often occurs on mobile devices, with traditional VoIP services like Skype being regularly used in an app format on smartphones or tablets.

VoIP is an ideal tool for conducting live interviews, or pair and small group discussions. These can be recorded and reviewed later (with automated transcriptions now widely available), and well-designed oral tasks can also form the basis for assessments. There are obvious applications of VoIP for language learning in particular, which has led to a number of services building language learning functionality around VoIP and similar technology.

One alternative to Microsoft’s Skype/Teams is Google’s Chat (formerly Google Hangouts). For an extensive list of VoIP services, see Wikipedia’s Comparison of VoIP Software. There is also videoconferencing software available, including Microsoft Teams (as mentioned above), Class for Web (formerly Class Collaborate) and Zoom, generally intended for larger group or class meetings; for more on videoconferencing, see the videos page of this website. For commonly used mobile services with similar functionality, see the chat & messaging page of this website.

Services that help to organise language learning exchanges in the form of voice chat, generally with accompanying text channels and assorted supporting tools, include HelloTalk, Language Exchange App (formerly My Language Exchange), The Mixxer and Tandem. The major commercial language learning app Busuu also allows interaction with target language speakers. In addition, audio (and video) messages can be exchanged on many chat & messaging apps.

In the future, it is likely that more language apps will invite students to talk to conversational chatbots; one app that already includes natural speech recognition for English learning is SpeakingPal. Target language interactions are also possible with generative AI software such as ChatGPT. The commercial language learning app Duolingo now offers a Duolingo Max subscription that allows users to engage in roleplays with an AI tutor in some languages, as well as receiving feedback on their performance.

For science students, the Skype a Scientist service holds some promise (though it will require the use of alternative platforms, given the discontinuation of Skype).

Last update: March 2025.