Tandem – Language Exchange

Tandem is designed to support users in learning and practicing new languages. After users register with Tandem by linking to their social media and having Tandem approve their registration, users next create their profile, which requires them to ad their likes and interests. Once complete, users are able to access the Tandem community. With the buttons on the bottom of the screen, users can tap the “Find Chats” to view other Tandem members’ profiles and connect with them by sending messages or video chatting. Users can also tap the “Create Topic” button to post a new topic, which connects with their social media account. The “Following” button lets users keep in contact with other users, and the “Profile” button lets users see how they appear to other users.

Instructional Ideas

1. Teachers can have students connect with other users from around the world to practice foreign language skill development using conversation.
2. After having a conversation with another user on Tandem, teachers can have students translate what they said in English into the foreign language spoken by the other Tandem user. Conversely, teachers can have students translate what the other Tandem user said in a foreign language into English.
3. Teachers can create a class challenge by having students see who can carry on the longest conversation with another Tandem user. Or, teachers can challenge students to see who can connect with the same Tandem user the most frequently (e.g., two times, five times, seven times, or more).

Screenshots