It’s amazing how much negative press can be generated by one disgruntled student. Yet when there is a criticism against the Northern Star or something positive has occurred, the public is not made aware.

The article published in Wednesday’s Star, titled “Spanish homework goes online: Students find benefits, disadvantages with new $49 program,” is rather biased.

The title should have read: “ … STUDENT finds new $49 program disadvantageous despite benefits.”

Desiree Smith, the reporter who wrote the article, stated that “students” are complaining, yet only one Spanish 201 student was mentioned in the article. Ms. Smith called me to ask about the Quia component. Since I had nothing negative to say about Quia , I like how she opted not to mention me in her article.

The majority of the languages offered at NIU not only have a textbook but also a workbook. The grammar is presented in the classroom with use of the textbook, and the workbook provides the practice necessary to reinforce the concept presented in class. The only difference between Spanish and other languages is that the workbook component for Spanish, Quia, presents the workbook in an electronic format. Because it is online, students and instructors can reference the Quia Web site from any Internet connection anywhere in the world. This helped me out earlier in the semester when I had to travel out of town or a family emergency; I was still able to access the Quia site, correct homework and give immediate feedback.

Another advantage is that the majority of the exercises online are computer-graded and the rest are graded by the instructor. Ample space is allowed for feedback from the instructor for each question and for each activity overall. Furthermore, the computer-graded exercises are not permanent; they can be overridden by the instructor. Students are also able to print the exercises and turn in hard copies if they’d like. I only wish I had this option in my French classes.

Students can purchase the electronic workbook online at the Quia Web site for $30.75, not $49, as incorrectly stated in the article.

We do not have the luxury of being able to play all the games that are taught in foreign language classes in high school because classes here at NIU are either two or three days a week instead of five. Since we are at the university level, work outside of class is expected, regardless of the subject at hand. The material is not going to be learned by osmosis and going to class.

The United States likes to brag about our superior education system. Why is it, then, that students in third-world countries learn foreign languages in elementary school, using a stick and the dirt? Why is the United States the only country where a university degree can be obtained without ever having learned a foreign language? Why is foreign language seen as a requirement to get out of the way instead of a valuable resource into understanding other cultures in a world that is becoming smaller all the time? Finally, instead of having students who take it upon themselves to pursue an advanced education, why do we have students who complain about having to do “extra” assigned work that will only help reinforce the subject matter?

Cosme Becerra

Graduate student, Spanish

Spanish TA Instructor