Updates for Summer 2026

1. Supersite Dashboard Updates Coming Soon

Important changes are coming to your Supersite on vhlcentral! Find out what’s changing ahead of fall classes.

On June 29, 2026, your Supersite will have an updated experience in the following areas:

• Instructor Dashboard

• Activity Library

• Assessment Library

• Student Activities experience

• Student Dashboard

These updates improve daily workflows, streamline actions to save you time, enhance your students' experience, and upgrade accessibility for everyone.

These changes will be reflected across all programs in vhlcentral, starting June 29, 2026. You can find more details about what’s changing below.

Instructor Dashboard:

What’s changing

• The new dashboard puts priority actions, like grading, front-and-center, helping keep instructors focused on what they need, when they need it.

• Institution‑specific updates:

  • K–12 institutions see “Classes”

  • Higher Education institutions see “Courses”

Instructor Activity Library:

What’s changing

• Assigning and hiding actions can now be completed for multiple activities at once, saving instructors valuable time

• Updates to improve accessibility

Instructor Assessment Library:

What’s changing

• Actions can now be completed for multiple assessments at once

• Updates to improve accessibility

Student Activities:

What’s changing

• The Activities interface is more consistent across student and instructor views for a more seamless and intuitive experience

Student Dashboard:

What’s changing

• Updates make action items clearer for students, creating an easier and more intuitive learning experience

2. A Brand New vText For All Portales 2.0: Introductory Spanish Customers

An exciting new vText is coming to Portales 2.0: Introductory Spanish customers this July!

Starting early July, 2026, all Portales 2.0: Introductory Spanish courses will have a new and improved vText experience. Your updated vText introduces powerful new tools for both educators and students within a new intuitive and mobile-friendly design. Brand new tools and features include:

• A single Instructor vText for both Student Edition and Annotated Instructor Edition

• Personalized display preferences

• Integrated media and activities

• Improved study tools

• More!

Learn more about the new vText below.

A single Instructor vText

Instructors using Portales 2.0: Introductory Spanish no longer have to manage multiple vText versions! The new vText gives instructors quick access to curated teaching notes and instructor pages. By selecting View as a Student, the vText shows the Student Edition. Go to either edition at the click of a button.

Above: Instructor view of the new vText in Portales 2.0: Introductory Spanish, showing annotations.

Personalized display preferences

New settings, including adjustable font size, line spacing, and a brand new Dark Mode, are saved even after logging out, ensuring a consistent experience.

 

Above: New vText display settings include text size, line spacing and a dark display mode (shown here turned on).

 

Integrated media and activities

Embedded audio, video, and activities are easy to use, and create an engaging, interactive experience across any device type, including both mobile and tablet, making the new vText a central hub for dynamic teaching and learning. Audio and video have adjustable speed features, and video even includes a picture-in-picture viewing option.

 

Above: Student vText showing embedded video player alongside the Table of Contents.

 

Above: Activities in the new vText appear in a new side-by-side view with content.

 

Improved study tools 

Familiar tools like notes and bookmarks are now enhanced with searchable Notebooks, making it easier to organize, study, and plan. Bookmarks are editable so you can label pages with helpful reminders.

 

The new vText will be available for Portales 2.0: Introductory Spanish courses in vhlcentral starting in early July, 2026.

 

Updates for Spring 2026

1. Navigation Made Easy: Explore the New Program Layout

We’ve redesigned the navigation experience on vhlcentral to provide a simpler, more consistent platform that makes it easier for both instructors and students to find what they need quickly and confidently. Navigation is simplified and more intuitive—giving you faster access to the tools that matter most.

Look for our step-by-step in-app guided walkthrough in your account or watch these how-to videos for an overview:

• Instructor navigation
• Student navigation

Instructor Experience Updates:

• The navigation bar features a cleaner look with a white background and a red underline for the active menu.

New Menu with Active selection underline:

• The Dashboard is now accessed by clicking the Program Logo (no separate menu).

• All assignment tools are grouped in one Assignments section without dropdown menus.

New Assignments section:

New Grades section:

• The Grades section now includes Grade Assignments, View Gradebook and Analyze Performance so grade-related actions stay together, and Manage Roster at the bottom.

New submenu in Gradebook View section:

• The Gradebook View now includes a new (kebab) menu to view Late Work and access Reports features.

Analyze Performance Navigation:

• When available, Assess to Learn (A2L) automatically becomes your default view, putting actionable insights front and center.

• New tab structure streamlines navigation to help you move between key reports quickly.

• Clearer page titles: each Analytics view is labeled clearly so you always know where you are.

• Practice Test Results still available through “More Options” for Portales users.

New Content section:

• The new Content section brings together the Activity Library, Assessment Library, and Custom Content.

Updated Menus

• Tools and Communication sections are reorganized for easier access to what is most frequently used, and Student Technical Support has been removed.

• In the Tools section:

  • The Vocabulary Tools open directly to the full list including flashcards.

  • The eBook access opens directly in VitalSource.

Updated Tools section (exact menu options dependent on program):

Student Experience Updates:

We’ve streamlined navigation and reduced redundancy to make it easier for students to find what they need. Here’s what’s new: 

Dashboard Access

• Students can access the Dashboard by clicking the Program Logo.

New Student Menu

• Navigation menus now include:  

  • Grades 

  • Tools 

  • Communication 

• Tools and Communication sections are streamlined for easier access. 

• Grades include a new “More” menu for additional options.  

Assignments & Activities

• The Assignments section has been removed. 

• Activities are now located in the Study Center for Portales/Portails titles. 

• For all other Supersite titles, Activities are accessible from the Table of Contents (TOC) via the Student Dashboard. 

Vocabulary Tools 

• For Portales/Portails titles: Activities and Vocabulary Tools (e.g., Flashcards) are in the Study Center. 

• For all other Supersite titles: Vocabulary Tools are located under Tools.  

Assignment Calendar: New Location 

• The Assignment Calendar is now accessible from the Student Dashboard, above the Notification Center . 

Grades Simplified 

• Grades now features a combined Overview and Scores view, giving students:  

  • Assignments and due dates 

  • Progress-to-completion 

  • Grades—all in one place. 
     

2. Improved Customization Tools: Accessibility and More

The Instructor Generated Content (IGC) authoring tools in vhlcentral have exciting updates that modernize the instructor experience. The authoring tools have been redesigned to be more intuitive and provide enhanced accessibility support, and are available now for all instructors in the platform.

New Accessibility Support for Custom Content

The new streamlined workflow makes customization even easier, with options for instructors to ensure their content can be accessed by their students. Image reference now supports alt text and long descriptions, enabling screen readers to interpret instructional images. The Audio Reference now includes transcript support, and instructors receive a warning when course‑level transcript settings may conflict with activity‑level needs, reducing unintentional accessibility gaps.

With a focus on accessibility for language learners, additional tools include language tags that help assistive technologies pronounce text correctly, and include options for bilingual tagging. 

Authoring Enhancements

Streamlined navigation and updated templates are some of the changes in a new, intuitive design that easily guides instructors through flexible options to create their own assessments and activities within the vhlcentral platform. Clear section mapping and drag-and-drop functionality make customization quick and easy. Instructors can also now assign their own point values to custom activities.

These features are live for all instructors in vhlcentral! Check them out today, or find more detail in this Release Article.

3. Get Started Faster: Login and Roster Enhancements

We’ve made important improvements to the login, enrollment, and roster experience to make onboarding and class management smoother, faster, and more intuitive for everyone.

Login & Enrollment:

• The login and enrollment process features a cleaner, more intuitive design, making it easier for users to sign in, select schools, redeem codes, and get started.

Updated LTI-A Login Page:

• You can now show or hide your password on the login screen for easier verification.

• The homepage displays all maintenance messages clearly and ensures easy access to your programs, even when multiple messages are present.

Updated View for Homepage Maintenance Messages:

• New homepage post types, including “Insights,” help users and educators share information more effectively.

• All updates are designed for better accessibility and mobile support.

Roster:

• The Roster interface has been redesigned for a cleaner look and easier navigation, helping educators add students and adjust interaction settings quickly.

• A new “More Options” menu organizes secondary actions for improved onboarding and discoverability.

• The student table is easier to read and manage, with future enhancements planned for sorting by name, email, and last submission.

• The roster is now more accessible and mobile-friendly, so educators can manage classes efficiently from any device.

Updated Roster Layout:

4. Upgraded Speech Recognition Functionality for Spanish & French Programs

We’ve upgraded our Speech Recognition Technology to deliver a smoother, more reliable experience for learners and instructors. This upgrade delivers faster responses, enhances ease of use, and minimizes interruptions. 

What’s new?

• The interface features a larger record button, improved recording animations, and updated icons for feedback.

• Correctness feedback has been designed with high-contrast check/X icons and helpful phrases.

• The design is consistent across activities and optimized for accessibility and mobile use.

*Speech recognition is available in Vocabulary Tutorials, Pronunciation Quick Checks, Interactive Videos with Pronunciation Checkpoints, Speech Rec and Dialogue Listen & Repeat, and AI Chat activities across many Spanish and French programs.

Before Recording View:

During Recording View:

Correct Answer View:

Speech Rec Listen & Repeat Updates:

Dialogue Listen & Repeat Updates:

Updates for Fall 2025

1. Modernized Instructor Homepage for Simplified Course Access

We’ve redesigned the instructor homepage to make it easier to access your courses: 

• The updated layout puts your program list front and center, with larger book covers and a simplified feed

• Demo programs now live in a separate tab, so your active courses stay at the top

• You can now search by program title

• The mobile experience has been streamlined to reduce scrolling and help you find what you need faster

Desktop View with Multiple Programs:

2. New Personalized Student Accessibility Settings for Inclusive Classrooms

To promote equity and support diverse learning needs—including students with disabilities or on differentiated learning tracks—instructors can now customize accessibility and multimedia settings per student. These settings, previously applied at the course level, are managed on a new Student Interaction Settings page, accessible by both course owners and co-instructors.

Building on this, instructors can now also apply settings in bulk to multiple students at once—streamlining setup for cohorts with similar accessibility requirements.

This added flexibility helps create a more inclusive and tailored learning experience, ensuring a pedagogically sound digital environment.

Terminology updates for clarity:

• Audio text → Audio Transcripts

• Transcripts → Video Transcripts

• Transcripts in Resources → Audio/Video Transcripts

Individual Student Settings:

Bulk Settings:

3. Accessibility Tools: Centralized Reference Now Available

We’ve streamlined how users access information about our accessibility features. A new centralized resource—available from both student and educator dashboards—makes it easier to find and understand available tools without disrupting the learning experience.

Highlights for Instructors:

• A single, easy-to-access link now connects users to comprehensive documentation on accessibility features.

• Ensures guidance is always accurate and up to date, with updates posted as new features roll out.

• Helps educators support diverse learners with clear, self-directed documentation.

• Students also have access to this resource, helping them independently discover and use the tools they need.

Instructor View:

Student View:

4. AI Chat: Practice for Real Conversations

AI Chat gives students more opportunities to build confidence in speaking by helping them move from structured practice to more natural, conversational language. It builds on the skills developed through Virtual Chat, Solo Video Recording, and Partner Chat activities, and prepares students for live speaking in class, partner/group discussions, and other real-time interactions. This new activity type—piloted over the summer—is now launching in Portales 2.0 Introductory Spanish.

Following summer improvements, instructors can now:

• Disable AI Chat in Course Content Settings, just like partner/group chat

• See AI characters (Sara & Miguel) with accurate voices and visuals

• Benefit from improved recording controls—students now manually stop recordings, preventing premature cutoffs and improving accessibility

Conversation with AI character:

Enable or Disable AI Chat:

5. Introducing MyConversationTrainer: AI-Powered Conversation Practice

MyConversationTrainer can be used in alignment to select Introductory and Intermediate Spanish, as well as French programs from Vista Higher Learning or with alternative course curriculum. Stay tuned for future updates!

MyConversationTrainer is a supplemental AI-powered platform that helps students build confidence through customizable verbal and text-based conversations and role-play activities. Designed to complement classroom instruction, it offers a low-stakes environment for students to practice speaking, listening, reading, and writing.

Key benefits for instructors and students include:

• Unlimited practice with instant feedback — Students can practice anytime and receive personalized guidance.

• Activities aligned with course content — Role plays and conversations use vocabulary and grammar from textbook lessons.

• Customizable scenarios — Choose from ready-made assignments or create your own to keep content relevant and engaging.

• Set of diverse avatars and AI voices (summer 2025 update), enabling users to create inclusive and age-appropriate activities across a wide range of programs.

• Progress tracking — Monitor student growth and assign evaluation tasks within the platform.

• Access to recordings and feedback for reflection and improvement

• Time-saving setup — Streamlined workflows make it easy to assign and manage activities.

This research-driven tool supports effective integration of AI into language learning—empowering educators to offer more conversation practice and improve student outcomes.

Conversation Chat Settings Page: 

Student Dashboard:

Conversation Example:

6. AI-Assisted Feedback - Now Available in New Programs

This functionality has been added to most Introductory and Intermediate Spanish and French programs, as well as English Language programs (K6-12). Starting this Fall, it will also be available in Aventuras, 7th Edition, Encuentros, and Senderos Florida. Stay tuned for future updates!

To help instructors save time and encourage more writing practice, AI-assisted feedback is available for open-ended and composition activities in select programs. Once enabled, this feature automatically evaluates student submissions at the moment of submission and provides suggested comments on grammar, syntax, and meaning—ready for instructors to review when grading.

Instructors remain in control: they can choose whether to use the AI tool and accept or reject its suggestions. This flexibility empowers instructors to work with the technology on their own terms.

By reducing grading time, instructors can assign more writing-based activities, support skill development, and focus on other teaching priorities—all while helping shape the future of AI tools through hands-on use.

Enable AI-assisted Feedback:

AI-Generated Suggestions:

Edit AI-assisted Feedback:

Instructor Flags to give feedback on AI-assisted Feedback responses:

7. Portfolio Enhancements for a Smoother Student Experience

The Portfolio feature—available in select Spanish and French programs—continues to support reflective learning by helping students collect, organize, and showcase their work over time. It encourages students to take ownership of their learning, engage with peers, and build a sense of academic identity.

Over the past few months, several updates have been made to improve clarity, organization, and ease of use:

• Clearer submission messaging so students know their work is saved

• Simplified folder structure for easier navigation

• Improved file upload and browsing to reuse coursework more efficiently

• Combined Virtual Chat submissions for cleaner organization

• Labeled navigation icons to improve accessibility

• Increased storage to 200MB (formerly 50MB)

These enhancements make it easier for students to manage their portfolios and ensure their work reflects their progress—without unnecessary friction.

Portfolio Dashboard:

Streamlined Folder Structure:

Text Labels Added to Navigation Icons: