Frequently Asked Questions: Q) What IS Supersite? A) Supersite is an interactive website from the Vistas Higher Learning program, used for foreign language courses. It employs written, aural, oral and video exercises for foreign language learning. It includes written revision material, as well as lab manuals and online interactive learning. It also includes vital cultural readings, to allow students to be as immersed as possible in the foreign language environment. Finally, Vistas Supersite includes what is called a “v-Text,” which is the Vistas (5 th ed.) textbook embedded within the Supersite. The supersite includes a gradebook for students to manage grades and a “my results” tab for students to view and monitor their grades. The software also allows students to send a note to the instructor when they have questions about their grades (grade review request); and allows the instructor to write comments on the answers provided by students in any activity.

FAQ (continued)

Q) How does the Supersite work in relation to the students’ Spanish course in Moodle? A) Once the student opens their course in Moodle, there is a link to the Supersite within the Moodle class (but students could also log in to Supersite externally). In our Spanish courses, 25% of the course grade is devoted to weekly discussion forums embedded within Moodle; 5% goes to a quiz over Vistas Supersite and its functions (also in Moodle, given during week 1); the other 70% of the course grade is based on Supersite quizzes/activities. Students can see grades and feedback within the Supersite, but their Supersite grades are entered into Moodle manually by the professor.

Q) How can students be successful in online foreign language courses at GMC? A) If a student has self-discipline and a good work ethic, this is an excellent platform. The Supersite exercises run the gamut from listening practice, speaking practice, videos and other very effective resources. The target language is used extensively and I believe that if students 1) log on daily and practice, 2) avail themselves of the tutoring available (there is some on Moodle as well as through the textbook itself), 3) follow the guidelines for the discussion forums and read any subsequent teacher feedback, 4) attend office hours where you can get help in “real time” and/or even practice with peers, they will be successful.

Faculty Credentials and Experience: Members of the Spanish faculty at GMC’s Online Learning Campus have as much as 30 years general teaching experience, 15+ years of online teaching experience, and as many as 9 years experience with the Vistas Supersite. 4 of our faculty have PhDs in Spanish; several have been published and/or have worked as translators in addition to their teaching experience. Finally, many of our faculty have worked or are currently working full-time at major colleges around the country, including the University of Michigan and the University of Vermont.