This has probably been mentioned at some point already but since I didn't find a post I'd like to suggest this. I'm hoping to be able to get more conversation practice.

Perhaps it would help to create a chat system where people can only voice chat but not video chat. I know how tempting it is to make video chat also available but I highly suggest against it in order to protect the integrity of this website. I have used other language learning sites such as livemocha, who does provide video chat as an option. What ended up happening was that I only wanted to practice and improve a language as I thought other people on the site would too, but people kept on asking to webcam and there was an uncomfortable amount of pressure as if it was eharmony and not a language learning center.

That's my thought on putting in a chat system. In terms of creating effective conversation exercises within the program, I'm not a linguist nor am I a designer, so I will leave the brain storming to you guys.

Cheers.