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This paper describes the design and evaluation of BRIX, an environment for online learning of second languages. A needs analysis identified specific requirements of online language learning. Commercial course management systems were determined to be inadequate with respect to these requirements. BRIX was developed to address the need for a generic language learning environment that fulfills language educators' requirements focusing on reading, writing, and listening activities and can easily be customized for different language courses. The design of BRIX is based on pedagogic approaches and theories of teaching and learning second languages and on the results of analytic and empirical evaluation of test versions of the software. In this paper we describe the needs analysis and the design of BRIX, and present an evaluation that compares the use and usability of a Chinese course in BRIX to a previous handcrafted version of the same course.