Mixxer
Principal function(s): Virtual ExchangeGroup/pair work - outsidersListeningSpeakingPronunciationStudentYou SupplyWebsite/other users supply
Mixxer is an online language exchange platform that connects language learners with native speakers for language practice and cultural exchange. Users can create profiles indicating the languages they speak and are learning, and then search for language partners based on their language preferences and interests. Mixxer facilitates language exchanges through text, voice, and video chat sessions hosted on platforms such as WhatsApp, Skype, and Zoom, allowing users to practice mainly speaking and listening to their target language. Users can also create blog entries in their target languages and receive feedback from other users. Mixxer is free to use and does not require any payment or subscription. Creating an account is optional. It was developed by Dickinson College.
Evaluation: Mixxer can be useful for learners of all levels to improve their conversational skills by finding language partners globally. For teachers of adult learners, a way to use the platform would be to create a group with their students and invite native speakers from other communities to join. Verification is needed to create a group as a teacher, providing some level of security. All in all, Mixxer is a fantastic way to expose students to organic language use and communication. It is essentially a virtual meeting point for language learners looking to help one another.
Cost: Free.
Website: https://www.language-exchanges.org/
Categories
Type Of Interaction
- Group/pair work - outsiders
Skills
- Listening
- Speaking
- Pronunciation
Content
- Website/other users supply
- You supply
Usability
Interface 
User-friendliness/complexity of the tool´s interface
Simple, slightly old-fashioned.
Time efficiency Time needed for mastering the „how-to“ of the tool and a production of a task
High.
Interface language(s) The number of languages in which the tool is currently available/adaptable to
English.
Respect for privacy Does the tool require registration? Who can see my data? Can I remain anonymous?
Medium/high. Mixxer collects users’ data and shares it with third parties, concretely with Google Analytics to improve their service. However, it is a strictly non-profit educational site hosted and run by Dickinson College and no data is used, shared or sold on commercial grounds, and may only be shared with academics for research purposes. The privacy policy mentions reasonable security measures. Mixxer does not state compliance with the GDPR. See more here.
Saving work for future use Possiblity to save your or others´ work for reuse/reproduction
Yes, login required.
Tailorability (If so, how?) Possibility of the tool to be used for a range of different activities (e.g. to what extent you can organize a project assignment with a central activity based on this tool)
Low.
Technical requirements
Installation required?
Not for the browser version; yes for the Android app.
Compatibility/ Operating System
Any browser; Android.
Other technical requirements