VBates is IDEA's new online debating platform which allows you to debate with and against other idebate.org users from all over the world.

VBates has been designed to make online debating quick, easy and fun, while also giving competitive debaters the tools and flexibility they need to practice effectively with speakers and judges in different parts of the world.

Through an easy-to-use interface which automatically connects to a user's webcam and microphone, VBates allows debaters to record and review speeches before sharing them with other debaters. The system also includes a judging platform so that experienced debaters can provide detailed feedback and training tips to the debate's participants.

VBates allows users to determine the motion that they will discuss, the number and length of the speeches that will be made during a debate and the amount of preparation and research time made available to participants.As the VBates system develops, it will become possible to customise speech timings and team compositions to simulate a wide range of debating formats. Advanced scheduling features will also be introduced, to allow societies to run entire tournaments online. Our first such tournament is the Debate@Europe online competition.