This case study focuses on two learners who took part in an intensive online German course offered to intermediate level students in the Department of Languages of the Open University. The course piloted the use of a Moodle-based virtual learning environment and a range of new online tools which lend themselves to different types of language learning activities (e.g., wikis for collaboration and blogs for reflective learning). The study shows that an online language course can combine different approaches to learning and teaching, such as using language communicatively and focusing on form and language practice. It also illustrates the link between students' choice of tools and their learning preferences (focus on form or communication; preference for written or spoken language). (Contains 10 figures and 3 notes.)