In another Economist piece this week on learning languages (Mandarin 2.0) - they talk about how the internet and technology is really changing language learning.
Skype is a great tool at connecting people and very good at connecting a English speaking person wanting to know Mandarin with a Mandarin speaker who wants to learn English.
Podcasts and other technologies also get a mention - pity they overlooked the impact that memory training and learning a language with a mobile phone is also making.