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The iVisit Tandem Network

The iVisit Tandem Network is a worldwide Internet-based communications network for individuals wishing to improve their foreign-language skills.

Tandem Language Learning is a method in which pairs of speakers of different native languages help each other learn each other's language.  More information about Tandem Learning (in 14 languages) can be found at <www.slf.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/etandem/etindex-en.html>.

The iVisit Tandem Network uses iVisit software to allow language learners to communicate with each other using any combination of synchronous text chat, audio conferencing, and video conferencing.  iVisit is a free program compatible with both Macintosh and Windows-based computers.  More information about iVisit, as well as a free download of the program, can be obtained at  <www.ivisit.info>.

If you have a computer connected to the Internet, you do not need any additional equipment to use text chat on iVisit.  Audio conferencing requires a microphone and headphone or speakers (both often supplied with desktop computers or built into laptops).  A webcam is needed if you want your partner to see you (Logitech <www.logitech.com> provides a wide range of webcams that have been found to work well with iVisit; see other recommendations for webcams at <www.ivisit.info/siteresources/displayWEBCAMS.php>).

The iVisit Tandem Network can be used by any adult (18 years and older) with at least intermediate proficiency (written and/or spoken) in a foreign language who is willing to help another learner learn his or her native language.  Hosted times currently exist for the following users:

Hosted times for other language combinations will be established according to need and availability of hosts.

After you have registered and installed iVisit on your computer, the iVisit Tandem Network can be found by from the Address Book, clicking Places, and following the path: ivisit.net -> Education -> Language Schools -> Tandem Learning.   Under Tandem Learning can be found iVisit homes and Welcome Rooms for French-English, Spanish-English, and German-English Tandem Learning pairs.  The iVisit Tandem Network is currently restricted to users 18 years of age or older.  No "adult" activities are permitted in the Welcome Rooms and Directories of the iVisit Tandem Network.

How to Use the iVisit Tandem Network

There are four ways that Tandem language learners can use the iVisit Tandem Network:

  1. Visit an appropriate Welcome Room during hosted times (e.g., Address Book (Places) -> ivisit.net -> Education -> Language Schools -> Tandem Learning -> 2 Spanish-English -> Welcome Room S-E)..  Hosted times can be found at <www.uiuc.edu/ph/www/g-cziko/tandem/ivisit/sked.htm>.
  2. Visit an appropriate Tandem Connections listing any time of the day or night to see if an appropriate Tandem partner can be found there (e.g., Address Book (Places) -> ivisit.net -> Education -> Language Schools -> Tandem Learning -> 2 Spanish-English -> Connections S-E).  Or just "hang out" in a Connections listing for other learners who may enter later (you may join more than one Connections listing at the same time of you are a native English speaker learning two other languages).  Since Tandem Language Learning works best with two partners, you are advised to refuse other incoming calls, except those coming from an iVisit Tandem host (see below).
  3. Make arrangements with a Tandem partner you already have to meet on iVisit.  You can proceed directly to the appropriate Connections listing and connect there with your partner.
  4. Find a Tandem language learning partner using the services of Parvis at <etandemlearning.com> or the Tandem Agency of the International Tandem Network <http://www.slf.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/etandem/>, specifying in your Communication Preferences that you want to use "video conferencing via Internet" for your Tandem meetings.

Principles of iVisit Tandem Language Learning

There are several well-established principles of Tandem Language Learning that should be followed by all iVisit Tandem Network participants to maximize the enjoyment and learning of both partners.

  1. Each language should be used approximately 50% of the time.  It is suggested that the language be changed every 15 minutes so that both languages can be used once during a 30-minute session or twice during a 60-minute session.

  2. Each partner should communicate to his or her partner what foreign-language skills and abilities he or she wishes to improve.  It is possible, for example, that in an Spanish-English tandem pair the person learning English may want to focus on reading and writing while the partner learning Spanish may want to work on listening and speaking skills.  In this case, text chat should be used for the English part of each session and audio for the Spanish part.

  3. Because people engage in Tandem Language Learning in to improve their foreign-language skills, it is appropriate for the native speaker to provide corrective feedback for his or her learning partner.  However, the emphasis should be on maintaining interesting communication and so corrections should not be so frequent that they disrupt the topic of the conversation.

Additional guidelines for successful Tandem Language Learning can be found at <www.slf.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/etandem/etindex-en.html>.

Tips for Using iVisit

  1. Both partners should use the VBR audio codec.

  2. Use "squelch mode" for hands-free talking.

  3. If your partner tells you that your audio is incomprehensible or broken up, pause your video.

  4. Windows users can share webpages.  Click the antenna tower icon to send ("push") webpages to your partner.  Click the antenna dish to receive ("pull") webpages your partner sends.  Click both antenna icons to both "push" and "pull" webpages.  Enter the URL of the webpage to be shared in the field at the top of the iVisit screen, next to "http://" and hit "enter" to view and send the webpage.  You may want to minimize or close all iVisit windows except for the Chat window when viewing and sharing webpages.

iVisit contains a Help Desk staffed with helpful volunteers who can assist users in troubleshooting and implementing the above tips.  The Help Desk can be found from the Address Book (Places) -> ivisit.net -> Welcome -> Help Desk.

Hosts Needed

Volunteer hosts are needed for the iVisit Tandem Network.  You can be a host if you are at least 18 years of age and (a) bilingual in English and French, English and Spanish, or English and German, (b) a native speaker of English learning French, Spanish, or German, or (c) a native speaker of French, German, or Spanish learning English.  Hosting involves meeting on iVisit for a minimum of 1/2 hour each week either as a solo bilingual host or with a host Tandem partner.  Hosts act as temporary Tandem partners and arrange Tandem pairs among those entering the Welcome Room during hosted hours.  Hosts should preferably have a fast Internet connection and audio and video capability.

Hosts with language abilities and learning interests not included in the above are also welcome to set up hosted hours in the "Other Languages" home.

If you can be a Tandem host, please contact Gary via email at <g-cziko@uiuc.edu>.