LiveMocha.com - Learn a Language Socially

If you need to learn a language for a job, study-abroad course, or just for fun, but don't have time to take a real class, you'll probably want to check out some computer-based language learning applications. Paying for language software or online courses can get pricey, and you lose the element of social interaction that's so necessary for language acquisition. A good solution is offered by LiveMocha, a new language-learning websites which combines social networking with the standard language elements of speech, writing, and dialogue. Essentially, LiveMocha is a community of language-learners like yourself, with whom you can interact to help improve your skills. Here's how it works. Sign up for an account (it's free), create a profile to help others help you (describe your motivations for learning the language, maybe), and choose your course. Currently, you can take classes in Spanish, English, German, French, Hindi and Chinese. The site offers four different levels of ability to choose to from. You'll be paired up with a tutor who is a native speaker that will guide you through the lesson's activities, which include speech, writing, dialogue, and reading, among other things. You can go at your own pace, and when you're done with an activity, you can compare responses with other class members. The site is completely free and you may sign up for as many courses as you like; LiveMocha only asks for your help in tutoring students of your native language in exchange.

"The social way to learn a language.
Community. Livemocha is the first-of-its-kind online language-learning community.
Lessons. Fun and interactive lessons that move at the right pace for you.
Motivation. Track your progress and reach your goals with Livemocha tools".

LiveMocha takes advantage of the power of social networks and combines it with its language-learning methodology in a way that should really help out people who need to learn a language fast. It's great that you can exchange and compare answers with other users and/or native speakers. In particular, the option of recording yourself speaking so you can have your pronunciation critiqued by your tutor is useful; usually this is an experience you can't get outside a real classroom. Unlike other language applications or software, LiveMocha is completely free and you can go at your own pace.

LiveMocha disappointed me somewhat in that they only offer four very basic levels of courses; as an advanced Spanish speaker, there was no course that was targeted toward my skill level. Does LiveMocha plan on adding courses for more experienced language speakers?