Learning American Sign Language (ASL) opens doors to new communication possibilities and fosters a deeper connection with the Deaf community.
Online courses provide a flexible and accessible way to start your ASL journey or enhance your existing skills. Whether you’re seeking to enhance your career prospects or simply looking to communicate more inclusively, online ASL courses offer something for everyone.
With a variety of options available, it’s important to choose a course that fits your learning style and goals.
From beginner basics to advanced proficiency, these courses cover a range of topics and offer different methods of instruction to suit your needs.
1) Master ASL!
Master ASL! is a popular resource for learning American Sign Language.
It’s known for its engaging teaching style and clear lessons.
This program offers a range of materials, including textbooks, DVDs, and online resources.
The combination of these tools helps you get a well-rounded education in ASL.
The course is designed for beginners and intermediate learners.
You can start with basic signs and progress to more complex conversations.
Instruction is structured and easy to follow.
You will learn through a mix of visual aids and practice exercises.
Master ASL! focuses on real-life communication.
The lessons include practical phrases and everyday vocabulary, making it easier for you to start using ASL in daily conversations.
Flexibility is a key feature of Master ASL!.
You can learn at your own pace and revisit sections as needed.
The course includes quizzes and interactive activities.
These elements help reinforce your learning and ensure you retain new information.
For additional support, you can connect with other learners.
There are online forums and communities where you can ask questions and share experiences.
Videos in the program are high quality.
They clearly demonstrate signs and expressions, helping you understand the nuances of ASL.
Master ASL! is comprehensive.
It covers a range of topics from basic greetings to advanced grammar rules.
If you’re looking for a structured and supportive way to learn American Sign Language, Master ASL! is a solid choice.
2) American Sign Language University
American Sign Language University (ASLU) is a popular resource for learning ASL.
It offers free online courses aimed at beginners and intermediate learners.
You get access to lessons that focus on vocabulary, grammar, and Deaf culture.
The site is user-friendly with clear instructions.
You can find exercises and practice quizzes to test your skills.
These help reinforce what you’ve learned.
Also, there are videos demonstrating signs, which makes learning easier.
ASLU is a great option if you’re looking for a free, self-paced course.
The site also offers a selection of textbooks and DVDs for those who prefer physical learning materials.
These can complement the online lesson.
You also get links to external resources for more advanced studies.
This makes ASLU a comprehensive starting point for anyone interested in ASL.
For support, the site features a community forum where you can ask questions and interact with other learners.
This can be helpful for clarifying doubts and sharing learning experiences.
If you’re serious about studying ASL, consider using American Sign Language University.
To explore ASLU and begin your journey into learning ASL, you can visit American Sign Language University.
3) Start ASL
Start ASL is one of the most trusted online courses for learning American Sign Language.
Offering flexible and comprehensive programs, it has been a favorite for over 15 years.
The platform provides four levels: ASL 1, 2, 3, and 4.
You get a structured learning path from beginner to advanced.
The sign language videos on Start ASL are high-quality.
They feature slow motion and multiple angles to help you understand the signs clearly.
Start ASL is also mobile-friendly.
You can learn wherever you are, fitting lessons into your schedule without the need to be tethered to a computer.
Start ASL supports diverse learners.
They offer resources for students, teachers, homeschoolers, and organizations, making it a versatile choice.
You can start with free online lessons.
If you want more in-depth training, there are various course options available to suit your needs.
For more details, visit the Start ASL website.
4) Gallaudet University Online
Gallaudet University offers excellent options for learning American Sign Language (ASL) online.
Known globally for its focus on Deaf culture and sign language education, Gallaudet provides a range of courses suitable for all levels.
You can start with ASL 1, which introduces you to basic ASL and Deaf culture.
This course helps you learn essential skills like getting someone’s attention and backchanneling.
Another great resource is ASL Connect.
Here, you have access to free online courses, vocabulary videos, and more.
It’s designed to be flexible, allowing you to learn ASL from anywhere at any time.
Gallaudet also offers a more comprehensive learning experience through its classrooms or online-ASL Connect.
These courses are perfect if you want to dive deeper into the language and culture.
If you prefer structured learning, you can explore their ASL Online Courses.
These courses cover various topics and skill levels, making them a great option for anyone wishing to improve their ASL proficiency.
Gallaudet University is committed to providing quality education in ASL and Deaf culture.
Whether you’re a beginner or looking to advance your skills, Gallaudet’s online courses offer a solid path to mastering American Sign Language.
5) Sign It ASL
Sign It ASL is an online platform offering a fun and engaging way to learn American Sign Language (ASL).
You can choose from 20 different topics, ensuring that you find a subject you’re interested in.
The lessons are designed to be interactive and enjoyable.
For those wanting a bite-sized approach, you can purchase small bundles of 5 lessons at a time.
These mini-courses are perfect if you prefer to learn in smaller increments.
If you are serious about mastering ASL, you can opt for large course bundles.
Buying all Sign It ASL classes together often comes with a discounted price.
Sign It ASL is also suitable for educational settings.
They offer site licenses which are great for schools, homeschool groups, businesses, and other organizations.
Whether you need a brief introduction or a thorough education in ASL, Sign It ASL provides flexibility and options tailored to meet your needs.
You can find more information on their official website.
By catering to different learning preferences, Sign It ASL ensures a comprehensive and enjoyable experience for all users.
6) ASL Meredith
ASL Meredith offers a beginner-friendly approach to learning American Sign Language.
Meredith is a certified instructor with an M.A. in Teaching ASL as a Foreign Language from Columbia University and a B.A. in Linguistics from the University of Pennsylvania.
You can find Meredith on various platforms, including Instagram and YouTube.
Her YouTube channel, ASLMeredith, features numerous videos that help you practice and improve your ASL skills.
The course hosted on her website is designed for beginners.
It includes interactive lessons, practice exercises, and videos that focus on everyday vocabulary and conversation skills.
Meredith emphasizes learning through interaction with native signers, which helps you understand the nuances of ASL better.
This course is suitable if you’re looking for a structured learning path with a knowledgeable instructor.
7) ASL Connect
ASL Connect is an online program provided by Gallaudet University to help you learn American Sign Language (ASL) and understand Deaf culture.
The content is created by Deaf ASL-fluent scholars, ensuring you get authentic and accurate learning materials.
You can start with basic ASL lessons using free video tutorials.
These self-paced lessons make it easy to fit learning into your schedule.
They cover various topics such as everyday vocabulary and common phrases.
If you want more structured learning, ASL Connect offers interactive courses.
These include both ASL and Deaf Studies courses.
These online courses for credit are designed to deepen your ASL skills and knowledge of Deaf culture.
ASL Connect isn’t just about learning from videos.
They also offer opportunities to engage in language-rich social events like VIBE!, where you can practice ASL in a fun and interactive environment.
This helps you apply what you learn in real-life situations.
For those interested in specialized learning, ASL Connect has resources categorized by topics.
You can explore these topics through self-paced lessons and vocabulary drills.
This targeted approach allows you to focus on areas that are most relevant to you, like sports or daily activities.
Benefits of Learning Sign Language
Learning sign language offers many advantages, such as improved communication skills and enhanced cognitive abilities.
These benefits can improve various aspects of your personal and professional life.
Improved Communication Skills
Sign language helps you communicate with the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community.
By learning ASL, you can bridge the communication gap and foster better relationships.
Knowing sign language is also beneficial in professional settings, especially in fields like education, healthcare, and customer service.
It can make you more inclusive and adaptable to different communication needs.
Furthermore, sign language can enhance your non-verbal communication skills.
You become more aware of body language and facial expressions, which can improve interactions with everyone, not just those who use ASL.
Enhanced Cognitive Abilities
Learning sign language can boost your brain function.
It engages different parts of your brain that are not typically used when learning spoken languages.
This can improve your memory, attention, and problem-solving skills.
Research suggests that bilingual individuals, including those who know sign language, have better multitasking abilities.
The mental effort of switching between languages can strengthen your cognitive flexibility.
Additionally, learning a visual language like ASL can enhance spatial awareness and visual processing skills.
Engaging in ASL can help you think in three dimensions and better understand visual information.
By improving both communication and cognitive abilities, sign language offers valuable skills that extend far beyond the language itself.
Criteria for Choosing the Best Sign Language Course
When picking the best sign language course, it’s important to look at the content and structure of the course, as well as the qualifications of the instructors.
Course Content and Structure
You should examine the content offered in each course to ensure it covers the basics and advances to more complex topics.
A good course often includes lessons on basic signing, finger-spelling, and progresses to advanced conversational skills.
Look for courses that provide a mix of video lectures, interactive exercises, and quizzes.
Flexibility is also key.
Many online courses are self-paced, letting you learn at your own speed.
For example, courses like the ones from the Oklahoma School for the Deaf consist of eight video lectures designed to increase fluency and are taught by an ASL specialist.
Instructor Qualifications
The qualifications of the instructors can greatly impact your learning experience.
Ideally, instructors should be certified in ASL and have significant teaching experience.
Courses like American Sign Language Level 1 on Skillshare are led by Intellezy Trainers, a team of world-class trainers and instructional designers.
Having qualified and experienced instructors ensures that you receive high-quality education.
Reading reviews and bios of the instructors can help you make a more informed choice.
Be sure the instructors have a good track record with positive feedback from previous students.
Tips for Maximizing Online Learning
Set Clear Goals
Define what you want to achieve from your ASL course.
Setting clear, specific, and achievable goals helps you stay focused and motivated.
Establish a Routine
Create a study schedule and stick to it.
Consistency is key when learning a new language.
Even short, daily practice sessions can be more effective than longer, irregular ones.
Use Multiple Resources
Combine different types of learning materials such as videos, apps, and textbooks.
This approach keeps the learning process interesting and engaging.
Practice Regularly
Daily practice is essential.
Use free resources or online communities to practice signing.
Practicing with others can boost your confidence and reinforce what you’ve learned.
Take Notes
Write down new signs and concepts.
Taking notes helps reinforce learning and provides a quick reference for future studies.
Interact with Others
Join online forums or study groups.
Interaction with other learners or native signers can provide practical experience and support.
Review Regularly
Regularly review past lessons.
Repetition helps solidify your understanding and ensures you retain new signs and concepts.
Use Technology
Leverage apps, online games, and interactive websites.
They can make learning ASL fun and interactive.
Stay Motivated
Reward yourself for meeting your study goals.
Small rewards can keep you motivated and make the learning process enjoyable.
Following these tips can help you make the most out of your online learning experience.
Use them to stay engaged, motivated, and on track with your ASL learning journey.