Enlaces by José A. Blanco, C. C. Tocaimaza-Hatch and Próspero García (review)

The slogan on the cover of the Vista Higher Learning supersite’s brochure and on the website invites the user to “[d]iscover the power. Discover the simplicity.” The first part is apt: the Vista suite of products, one of which is Enlaces, is a robust line of learning management systems that combines both textbook and technology to enhance learning in the blended, or hybrid, learning environment at both the secondary and post-secondary levels. The products are comprised of a paper-version textbook and a supersite that contains online and web-only resources and activities. The second part of the slogan does not apply: anticipate spending a considerable amount of time learning how to navigate the multifaceted Enlaces. But the investment is definitely well worth it; the product is an exciting addition to the current array of language learning products. This reviewer looks forward to implementing it in the classroom.

Enlaces is an intermediate Spanish program “designed to provide . . . an active and rewarding learning experience” (iii). In the Instructor’s Annotated Edition (IAE), the authors describe their underlying pedagogical approach as “interactive, proficiency-oriented” and informed by both the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines (2012, latest edition) and the Standards for Foreign Language Learning in the 21st Century (2012; 1996) (IAE, 9). (Regarding the latter, “National Standards” emblems with the specific C–e.g., Comparisons– appear next to pertinent activities.) The textbook includes six lessons, each of which is divided into seven major sections: Para Empezar; Cortometraje; Imagina; Estructuras; Manual de Gramática (optional sequence); Cultura; and Literatura. Each lesson ends with a Vocabulario unit containing an audio glossary with flashcards and tutorials. The Contenido section is the table of contents for the lesson. Thematic, cultural, and grammatical concepts are integrated into each of the seven sections.

Para Empezar introduces the learner to new vocabulary through the Blog de un catalán en Colombia, with directed and communicative activities where the learner can practice vocabulary in a variety of contexts. Cortometraje includes authentic short films by awarding-winning Hispanic filmmakers and pre- and post-viewing activities. Imagina exploits TV clips as it takes the learner on a cultural journey through the Spanish-speaking world. Estructuras, which provides grammar explanations with examples in context from the short films, progresses from directed to communicative practice. The Manual de Gramática offers supplementary grammar explanations. Cultura is comprised of thematically linked readings with activities. Literatura exposes learners to literary selections by award-winning writers from Spanish-speaking countries that are level appropriate for the intermediate learner.

The seven sections are further divided into a variety of sub-sections/activity categories: Preparación, Práctica, Comunicación, Análisis, and Síntesis. Preparación is comprised of pre- and post-reading and listening activities (e.g., brainstorming questions, vocabulary exercises, and pair/group work); Práctica includes exercises, role plays, and pair/group work; Comunicación presents role plays and open-ended exchanges in pairs and groups; Análisis has content questions based on reading passages/audio texts, role plays, vocabulary exercises, and pair/group work; and Síntesis includes content questions based on reading passages/audio texts, and pair/group work.

Each section of the paper-version textbook has corresponding online resources and activities, such as authentic videos, audio recordings, reading passages, and presentations, on the Enlaces supersite that is accessible from any Internet-connected computer or iPad. The supersite also provides a “v-Text,” an electronic version of the paper one with links to authentic media, activities, and assessment tools. Online materials are signaled in the paper— and “v-Text”— versions with a mouse icon and with an “S” icon.

The supersite provides both course content and instructor workflow resources, such as a gradebook to manage classes, create rosters, set assignments, and manage grades online. Two videos—one overview and one detailed—introduce the product to the teacher. The former, which lasts three minutes and is very...