English iTalk is a unique online program designed to help you make big improvements in your spoken English ability. It involves genuine interaction with a native speaking tutor of English!
English iTalk fits any level and any personal schedule. In addition to a private conversation with the iTalk tutor (Jason Renshaw), you can participate in open conversation topics with iTalk members from all around the world!
Copyright © 2009 - Jason Renshaw / English Raven Educational Services. All Rights Reserved.
How does English iTalk work?
The application is actually very simple. With your teacher, you take turns talking about any sort of topic or issue that you find interesting!
This turn-taking approach gives you valuable experience with talking, asking and answering in English. Very importantly, it gives you the chance to control the direction of the conversation whenever it is your turn. You also get excellent exposure to a native speaker of the language, building on your interactive listening ability but also giving you valuable models to think about and use in your own spoken communication.
In addition to the private conversation with your tutor, you have unlimited opportunities to discuss open topics with all the other members of the talkgroup. You can also start your own conversation topics!
An important part of the English iTalk application is that it is not "live" in real time. This allows you to listen as many times as you like to the messages from the teacher before responding. It also means you can post your messages according to your own schedule, any hour of the day, any day of the week.
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What do I need to participate?
This can be divided into tech/equipment issues and learning/attitude characteristics.
On the tech/equipment side, you need a computer with a good Internet connection. You'll need a working headset with a microphone that allows you to record your voice online. To participate, you'll also need to be a Voxopop member, and become comfortable with this online application.
In terms of learning/attitude characteristics, English iTalk can only work for you if you have a real desire to use English for genuinely communicative purposes. You also need to be a little independent and disciplined. At first you may be shy to speak to a native speaker, so you'll need to be a risk-taker until your confidence grows. To get the most out of the program, you need to try and continue adding new messages to the conversation as often as possible.
Of course, the flexible nature of English iTalk means that you can participate in the conversation according to your own schedule, and you don't need to worry about missing scheduled classes. English iTalk works according to your own pace.
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Who is the teacher?
Your English iTalk teacher is Jason Renshaw, a highly qualified and experienced English language instructor. Find out more about Jason here.
In future, more teachers may join the English iTalk program. This will depend on their qualifications, experience and ability to handle online learning applications. When other English iTalk teachers become available, information will be posted here on the site.
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The most flexible, affordable, and effective way to improve your speaking ability online!
English iTalk level system
The level system for English iTalk is unique and simple. It is based on how many minutes of conversation time you have completed with your personal tutor, Jason Renshaw. Each level corresponds to 1 hour of conversation (including both you and the teacher).
All new participants automatically start at Level 1. When they have completed 1 hour of conversation they proceed to Level 2 of the program. Following 2 hours of active conversation, the learner proceeds to Level 3, etc.
As the levels progress, the prompts from the teacher do get progressively more challenging. However, the difficulty level for all participants in any level is really determined by themselves. The English iTalk focus is on genuine interaction and relationship-building between learner and teacher rather than mastering specific forms or vocabulary items. The conversations turn in all sorts of directions based on what you would like to talk about!
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How much does it cost?
Enrollment costs just US$20 per level!
Each level entitles you to one hour of private conversation with Jason, and unlimited talking time in open conversation topics with other talkgroup members from around the world.
There is no limit in terms of weekly or monthly fees. You can take as long as you want/need to complete one level (= 1 hour of conversation). Basically, you can complete 1 hour of active conversation with Jason in as little as 1 week or 2 months - it's up to you and the pace you feel comfortable using. If you need to go away for a week for work or just a break, no problems - English iTalk waits for you, and you can continue talking and adding to your conversation any time you like!
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Go to this link. Click on "Start a new discussion"
What do current students say?
English iTalk speaks for itself!
Listen to what current students think of English iTalk at this link:
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English iTalk uses the innovative talkgroup function provided by VOXOPOP!
Get your own private conversation channel with your expert tutor, Jason Renshaw
Take turns building a natural conversation! Add to it whenever you want, and review as many times as you like!
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Each hour of interactive conversation equals one level in the English iTalk system. Watch your conversation skills and experience increase dramatically!
In addition to your private conversation with the expert tutor, you have unlimited access to open conversation topics with all the other members of English iTalk.
Make friends with people all around the world, discuss general and current topics, and watch your global English conversation skills grow and develop!
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Find out more!
One subscription of $20 gets you:
- A fully private conversation recording thread with Jason, lasting one hour (1 level) of interactive talking
- Full unlimited access to open conversation topics with all other English iTalk members
- Remember that you do not need any set schedule, and this is not a "live" application - add to your conversation any time you like, day or night!
English iTalk Enrollment Process...
1. Join Voxopop - get your own ID
2. Pay online for your first level
3. Wait for Jason' confirmation mail
4. Get started!
It's that easy!
"Try before you buy..."
You can try English iTalk for no charge whatsoever to help you decide whether you want to continue and enroll in a full level of conversation. Just go to the English iTalk talkgroup at Voxopop and click on the "Join this talkgroup" button. You can then participate in any of the public conversations with other members or even start some topics of your own! Following that, if you wish to start a private teacher-led conversation with Jason, you will need to subscribe and enroll.
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Try English iTalk for free! Click here to find out how!
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Find out why people like using English iTalk. Click here to hear comments from actual users!
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English iTalk is great for all English speaking purposes, including:
"Sarra"
English iTalk Level 1
- Business English speaking skills
- Professional occupational English
- Migrants and students in English-speaking countries
- (Non-native) English teachers
- Casual conversation practice
- Test preparation speaking fluency
- Basically, English i-Talk is adapted to YOUR needs and goals, and every person is different!
Testimonial about English iTalk from Xeb (English iTalk Level 3)
Special option for IELTS interview preparation
You can use English iTalk to prepare for the IELTS speaking/interview section. After you enroll in a private conversation with Jason, just indicate to him that you would like to use English iTalk to take a practice IELTS interview. Jason will then use IELTS-style interview questions covering the three different parts of a standard IELTS interview, and also give you scores and feedback about your performance. Remember that you get 1 hour of interaction for each iTalk level and subscription, so it is plenty of time to practice a full interview and get feedback and scores!
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Special option for TOEFL Speaking preparation
You can use English iTalk to prepare for the independent questions (1 & 2) in the TOEFL Speaking section. You will need to enroll first with TOEFL Speaking Mentor, and then also enroll in a private conversation with Jason here in English iTalk. Jason will then take you through as many independent speaking topics as can be covered in each iTalk level and subscription (remember you get 1 hour of interaction for each subscription), using the "mega" lists of 40 questions for each of question 1 and 2 as they are featured in TOEFL Speaking Mentor. He will also give you scores and helpful feedback and suggestions as you go along.
Please note that ONLY question types 1 & 2 (from the TOEFL speaking section) can be used in English iTalk, as the other question types are not conversational or interactive in style. After you enroll in both TOEFL Speaking Mentor and English iTalk, let Jason know you would like to focus on TOEFL iBT Independent questions practice, and he will target your conversation practice to those particular topics and give you scores and feedback!
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