A Language Lab Alternative

Looking to modernize your language department?

We built Extempore in the cloud to make it easy for schools of all sizes to use. Unlike traditional language labs, our platform provides the flexibility modern language programs need at a fraction of the cost.

Extempore requires no fees for installation, maintenance or on-premise hardware to get up and running. To connect, students simply log on via a web browser or any iOS or Android device, bringing out the best of any 1 to 1 program.

Have an LMS like Canvas, Schoology or Google Classroom? Even better. Our integrations with learning management systems and single sign-on providers makes it a breeze to roster, collaborate, and grade on Extempore.

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Language Lab Functionality with Nothing to Install

Why was Extempore built on the cloud?

With cloud-based, mobile language software, teachers can teach and students can learn anywhere and on any device. Moving away from costly computer labs to Extempore supports language learning in multiple ways:

It’s easy to get up and running: with cloud-based technology, there's nothing to install. Just open an account online, configure classes and start teaching in minutes.

Free up coveted classroom and computer lab space: because cloud based learning tools are platform agnostic, they can be used on virtually any device. Classes and assignments can be accessed on a school-provided or personal device and students can switch back and forth: data is always in sync. For example, students can do oral exams on a school computer during class (essentially treating Extempore as a virtual language lab) and then log into their home computer (or even a parent’s iPad) at night to complete homework activities to practice speaking skills.

With Extempore, you have a state-of-the-art assessment tool for regular speaking practice, oral exams, homework, AP Exam preparation and anything else where speaking practice is a must.

No Need to Involve IT

If you are considering a legacy language lab, you know that one of the first steps is to engage your IT department: they need to set up servers on your school so the labs can work. They usually need to modify the school network, and of course, they have to find a room, purchase computers, headsets, etc… as well as install the equipment. This is not a small undertaking, and it can take quite some time.

As a cloud-based speaking practice app, Extempore is accessible from anywhere with an internet connection. Instructors can create a free trial account and start using the app on their own right away. The mobile app is also free to download from the App Store or Google Play. Unlike with a language lab, you can be up and running and assigning speaking exercises within minutes of starting.

Use Extempore When and Where You Need It - No Wasted Space

Unlike other language assessment tools or labs, Extempore has a mobile version for instructors. Instructors can grade oral activities on their computer or on the go: just connect a pair of earbuds to your phone and you can listen to your students’ responses, grade against a rubric, and provide written or oral feedback.

Some of Extempore’s clients use the app on a daily basis (for example, those teaching an English speaking and listening skills class), while some use it only sparingly as a way to facilitate oral language assessments. Regardless of how you use Extempore, you will not have an expensive language lab taking up a classroom whether it’s used or not.

Additionally, you can use Extempore in your own classroom, where you and your students are most comfortable. No need to move 20 students from one room to the next just to practice speaking skills. Simply have them take out their phones (or roll in the iPad cart), complete the activities, and put them back. You can accomplish in 5 minutes what would take you a full hour with a traditional language lab.

Language lab functionality at the teacher level

Today, if you want to install a language lab in your school, you need to follow a cumbersome process: contact a language lab company, involve your IT department, get a consultation, a quote, set up the infrastructure at your school… and of course find the space to install it.

If you have ever used a web browser (and you have, since you are reading this!), you can use Extempore without further IT help.

Language labs are set up at a school level.

If only one teacher wants a lab, the school has to buy it for everyone… which generally means that if you are an instructor who wants a language lab for your class, you have to convince your colleagues, lobby your administration and IT... and it probably won’t be cost-effective for the school to install it, anyway.

Extempore can be used at class, teacher, school, or district levels.

Because there is nothing to install and because you only pay per student, you choose which teachers and classes use the platform. Many of our users start small (for example as a way to teach speaking skills to ESL students), and then add more students to their account as other colleagues adopt Extempore to practice speaking skills in whatever languages they teach.

A Modern Alternative to Language Labs

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Language lab functionality at a fraction of the cost

The fixed nature of language labs cannot compensate for the flexibility needed by educators today. With Extempore, all data is cloud-based and can be accessed at any time.

Cost-efficient

Free support and training
No maintenance fees
Tiered pricing to match your school’s needs
Free access to professional development

Speak anywhere

No extra technology is needed. Instructors can create, assign, and give feedback to assignments directly on a web browser, while students can complete assignments on any internet-connected device.

Engage Students and Measure Growth

Record live student conversations with Extempore Sync
Track student progress in our new portfolio feature
Create an environment conducive to student speaking,   reducing learner anxiety

Customer Testimonials

Daniel Noh

Language Lab Coordinator, University of North Georgia

"Extempore is very popular with students because it’s so convenient for them!"

Ione Meyer

Chinese Teacher, Strake Jesuit College Preparatory

"I have used Extempore for two years. It is an excellent app to encourage speaking in a foreign language. Every type of student in your class will enjoy this opportunity to practice speaking in the comfort of home, without the pressure of peers looking on. It is a great tool to practice presentation speaking and interpersonal conversations. It has been a great tool for in-class and homework assignments. The app is student friendly. You can do the assignment on the go, so there is no excuse with extracurricular and homework conflict. A great app for ALL language teachers and students!"

John Jacobs

Upper School World Language Chair, Montclair Kimberley Academy

"The rollout process was extraordinarily simple—certainly much simpler than creating (and then maintaining) any physical language lab."

Sam Adams

Instructional Technology Specialist, Temple University

"After a successful pilot, we decided to roll out Extempore to all pronunciation and oral presentation courses in the Intensive English Language Program. Rapid student feedback enables instructors to provide real-time lesson modifications, eliminating concepts that were mastered and focusing on problem areas."

Holly Sechler

Spanish Teacher at Tyrone Area High School, Tyrone, PA

"I have my Spanish III class use Extempore about once per month. I LOVE IT! It’s a great tool to evaluate the students' speaking ability."

Jennifer Nascimento

English Outside the Box

"As an online English teacher, Extempore has allowed me to give my students even more speaking practice outside of our group lessons and 1-on-1s. I've been able to create an engaging curriculum connecting students to their target language every day, allowing them to practice and apply what was learned between our classes. It's been user friendly for both me and my students, convenient, and a very useful tool."

Dr. Or Rogovin

Assistant Professor, Bucknell University

"Extempore offers and excellent solution for oral practice outside the classroom. It allows me to ensure that my students read the texts before class or practice Hebrew speech on their own. It also allows them to listen to their old recordings at the end of the course, so they can see how much they improved - even if they don't feel they did. I highly recommend!"

Juan Gonzalez Diaz

Spanish Teacher at Columbia Heights Public Schools, MN

"Incorporating Extempore into our curriculum has been really straightforward. My students love using the app to practice their Spanish!"

Dr. Begoña Caballero-García

Assistant Professor of Spanish Studies, Wofford College

"I find Extempore really useful. I can have all my students’ oral assignments in one place and give them feedback online. It is a great tool for your students to practice and improve their oral proficiency."

Teresa DelGiudice

French and Italian Teacher, Pascack Valley High School

"The students were able to access and operate Extempore with tremendous ease! In fact, no one needed assistance while using this website. As an instructor, I also find Extempore extremely user-friendly."

Michael Priddy

Founder and Director, Priddy Learning Academies

"Adopting Extempore has allowed Priddy Learning Academies to roll out an English online program in Japan with an unparalleled speaking component. When used with our ELL students in the US, it accelerates their language acquisition through frequent speaking practice as homework."

Extempore offers free training for anyone interested. Whether your interests lie in simplifying your language technology, measuring student growth, or anywhere in between, get in touch with us to learn how we can help you.