Frequently Asked Questions Question: Am I in the correct level of Spanish? Free Online Placement Exam Be aware that SPAN 1001 counts as elective credit. It will not fulfill a foreign language requirement for your program of study. If you have not taken Spanish before or had experience with the language, you will need 1001. However, if you have experience with the language, you may see if you qualify to be placed out of 1001 (not for credit, just for exemption) into a higher level. You may access a FREE ONLINE Spanish placement exam (from any computer with internet access) by going to http://webcape.byuhtrsc.org/?acct=gpc. The password is "gpc". The exam takes from 5 to 20 minutes depending on your knowledge of the Spanish language. When you finish the exam your results will be displayed for you along with a suggestion of which level of Spanish would best suit you. Copy and paste that information and/or print it. Ultimately, the choice is up to you. However, if you place above 1001 AND wish to enroll in a level above 1001 AND have not taken 1001 at the college level, you will need permission to override the system. You will need to send your score (via email from where you copied/pasted the score) or bring the printout in person to your Spanish Instructor. You may also email your results to your Spanish Instructor. You’ll find this information also at https://sites.gpc.edu/slangsto/placement-­‐exam-­‐info/ Question: How do I obtain my GSU iCollege and webmail username and password? Answer: campusid.gsu.edu Question: What do I do if I have iCollege technological difficulties? Answer: Browser Check: Your browser (Internet Explorer, Netscape, Firefox, etc.), needs to be a certain version. http://www.usg.edu/usgweb/d2lchecker/
Plug-­‐ins: It is possible that you will need plug-­‐ins in this course, such as Adobe Acrobat Reader and others. If you need a particular plug-­‐in, you will be instructed which ones you will need and when. iCollege Help Desk http://technology.gsu.edu/help-center/
Internet Connection: It is highly recommended that you use an internet connection faster than 56K. DSL at home or a high bandwidth connection on a campus are suitable. Question: What materials do I use for this class? For Spanish 1001 (actually, for 1001 – 2002 online and at every campus) we will be using the Vistas 5th edition text (looseleaf) with access to the Supersite. Packages include: • Supersite Plus code ( ONE CODE for online access to ecourse, including vText, tutorial, practice activities, WebSAM and assessments) th
• COMPANION VISTAS 5 edition text (looseleaf) The Supersite is where you will complete your assignments (practice and Websam), and any assessments that your instructor may assign. In order to access these activities you must purchase a book key code (this comes as a part of the bundle). The VISTAS 5th edition is a physical text (looseleaf) that enables you to study offline. Everything that I have described above comes together in a neat packet for you, so you should NOT buy anything separately. You may purchase the volume that contains only the chapters that you need. Other than this package, you only need access to the internet (high-­‐speed strongly recommended) and an inexpensive computer mic (or built-­‐in computer mic). •
SPAN 1001 (Elementary Spanish I)
Vistas 5th edition Custom Student Edition Volume 1 (Loose-Leaf) (Lessons 1-5) + 6-month
Supersite Plus WebSAM and vText
Volume 1:
978-1-68004-866-7
Vistas 5e Cstm SE(LL) V1 (1-5)+SSP(wS&vT)(6M)Per
•
SPAN 1002 (Elementary Spanish II)
Vistas 5th edition Custom Student Edition Volume 2 (Loose-Leaf) (Lessons 6-10) + 6-month
Supersite Plus WebSAM and vText
Volume 2:
978-1-68004-867-4
Vistas 5e Cstm SE(LL) V1 (6-10)+SSP(wS&vT)(6M)Per
•
SPAN 2001 (Intermediate Spanish I)
Vistas 5th edition Custom Student Edition Volume 3 (Loose-Leaf) (Lessons 11-14) + 6-month
Supersite Plus WebSAM and vText
Volume 3:
978-1-68004-868-1
Vistas 5e Cstm SE(LL) V1 (11-14)+SSP(wS&vT)(6M)Per
•
SPAN 2002 (Intermediate Spanish II)
Vistas 5th edition Custom Student Edition Volume 4 (Loose-Leaf) (Lessons 15-18) + 6-month
Supersite Plus WebSAM and vText
Volume 4:
978-1-68004-869-8
Vistas 5e Cstm SE(LL) V1 (15-18)+SSP(wS&vT)(6M)Per
There is NO refund from our bookstores once the shrink-­‐wrap material is opened. Whenever purchasing any materials for your classes, whether online or in the bookstore, always be aware of the return policies. IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT OBTAINING THESE MATERIALS ask your instructor before purchasing. Question: What do I do if I have Supersite technical difficulties? If you have technical difficulties with the Supersite, please visit: www.support.vhlcentral.com or call 1-­‐800-­‐248-­‐2813 Question: What are the Technical Requirements for the Supersite? To use the Supersite to its best advantage, you must have the appropriate software, plug-­‐ins, and network connection. Please take the time to read through the following and to download the following software, if you do not have it installed already. INTERNET ACCESS
• High-speed Connection (256 Kbps) recommended
OPERATING SYSTEM AND BROWSERS
WINDOWS 98, NT, 2000, ME, XP, and Vista
• Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher
• Firefox 1.0.7 or higher
• Cookies must be enabled
• Java must be installed & enabled
MAC OS X (10+)
• Firefox 1.0 or higher
• Safari 1.2 x or higher
• Cookies must be enabled
• Java must be installed & enabled
MAC OS 9 (Classic Mode)
• Internet Explorer 5.1
• Mozilla 1.0 or higher
• Cookies must be enabled
• Java must be installed & enabled
BROWSER SETTINGS
• Adjust Pop-up Blockers to allow pop-ups from www.vhlcentral.com
• Cookies must be enabled
• JavaScript must be enabled
Question: How do I learn how to use the Supersite? Once you have your account set-­‐up, watch the “How to Videos” under the “Help” tab (top right corner). Read the notes below for more helpful information (these do not replace the information in the How to Videos). SUPERSITE (www.vhlcentral.com) NOTES FOR STUDENTS
1. There is only ONE code that gives access to all components of the Supersite.
It will come with the package that you purchased.
2. Be sure to watch the How-To Videos under the HELP menu at the top right of the
Supersite.
3. When you log in, all of your assigned work appears in your “dashboard” (home
page) next to the due date. Simply click the red “START” button to begin work.
4. When submitting your activities, you may see enhanced feedback to help you
improve. Anything in red is incorrect and needs to be adjusted before submitting
another attempt.
5. You may click “save” in order to save your work without using an attempt. After
completing one attempt, you can accept it as your final attempt or try again. After
you have submitted a final attempt, you can still click “practice” in order to
practice the activity (does not affect your activity score).
6. If you have answered something in a way that you feel is correct but the
computer is marking incorrect and you have already checked the spelling and
accent marks, you may request review for that particular computer-graded
question from your instructor. If this option is not showing in the Supersite,
simply email your instructor with your question. Be sure to request reviews
in a responsible way, reserving them for answers that you are certain should be
correct. Click ASK YOUR INSTRUCTOR at the bottom right of the screen. You may
also be able to simply submit a question about the activity in this same way.
7. Inquire about your instructor’s late work policy (whether late assignments are
accepted and, if so, what penalty there is).
8. Before taking quizzes/tests, do one of the following to practice/review what you
have learned (even if not assigned by your instructor) found under “Content >
Activiites”…
a. the Quiz titled “Recapitulación” in the “Recapitulación” section
b the Practice Assessment titled “Prueba de Práctica” in the “Repaso” section
9. Do not take a quiz/test until you have studied and are ready to begin the graded
quiz. These are for a grade, not for practice. You only have ONE attempt at these
quizzes. You will be timed. If you encounter technical difficulties while taking a
quiz, email your instructor and contact:
VHL tech support (for the Supersite) 1-800-248-2813.
10. Be sure to familiarize yourself with all of the resources and support available to
you in the “Help” area (top right of Supersite).
11. Also, there are many content resources/references available to you:
a. Digital Vocabulary Flash Cards
These are located under the “Vocabulario” section at the end of each
lesson in the “Content” > “Activities” area. Also here you’ll find a
listing of ALL lesson vocabulary.
b. mp3 audio files from the program and videos
These are located under “Resources” in the “Content” menu.
c. Online dictionaries, a verb wheel and a grammar reference
These are located under “Online Reference Tools” inside of hw
activities (see footer of page).
12. Make use of the vText within the Supersite.
This is the electronic version of the printed text.
The vText also has highlighting and notetaking features.
You can also review all chapter vocabulary at once on the last page of the lesson and
you can do audio vocabulary flashcards from the last page of the lesson.
13. Make use of the downloadable ebook and practice partner app (see the
“Content” drop-down menu for details and for which devices are compatible).
14. Make use of the “Vocabulary Tools” under “Content” where you can sort vocab to practice and
add your own words. You can even select which topics/phrases to practice and generate customized
flashcards here.