There is finally a cross-platform, quasi-web-based system for
asynchronous audio conferencing:
http://www.wimba.com
This system is new and worth exploring. It uses Java applets
for microphone input, and has a full range of features already.
The great benefit is the enabling of asynchronous ("any time, any
place") spoken language instruction. Previously there have been
no real solutions for that need.
"Wimba.com is led by Professor Keith Ross, formerly professor at
the University of Pennsylvania (Engineering and Wharton Schools)
and professor in the multimedia communications department at
Institut Eurécom." (France)
Cheers,
James