Are you eager to learn a new language that’s not only visually beautiful but also opens doors to a vibrant and welcoming community? American Sign Language (ASL) is increasingly recognized as a valuable language to learn, and Online Asl Classes offer a flexible and accessible way to begin your journey. Whether you’re looking to connect with Deaf individuals, enhance your career prospects, or simply enrich your life with a new skill, learning ASL online is a fantastic choice.
This comprehensive guide explores the world of online ASL classes offered by ASL Connect, a program developed with the expertise of Gallaudet University, a world leader in Deaf and hard of hearing education. We’ll delve into the course structure, learning pathways, and what makes these online classes stand out, empowering you to make an informed decision and start signing today.
Why Choose Online ASL Classes?
In today’s fast-paced world, online learning has become a popular and effective method for acquiring new skills. Online ASL classes provide numerous advantages, making language learning more convenient and accessible than ever before:
- Flexibility: Learn at your own pace and on your own schedule. Online courses fit seamlessly into busy lifestyles, allowing you to study whenever and wherever it suits you.
- Accessibility: Location is no longer a barrier. Online ASL classes break down geographical constraints, enabling you to learn from experienced instructors regardless of where you live.
- Comfortable Learning Environment: Study in the comfort of your own home, eliminating the pressure of a traditional classroom setting and fostering a more relaxed learning experience.
- Diverse Learning Resources: Online platforms offer a wealth of digital resources, including videos, interactive exercises, and virtual communities, enhancing your learning journey.
ASL Connect: Your Expert Partner in Learning ASL Online
When choosing online ASL classes, it’s crucial to select a provider with a strong reputation and proven expertise. ASL Connect stands out as a premier online ASL education program, backed by the renowned Gallaudet University. This affiliation guarantees a high-quality curriculum rooted in Deaf culture and linguistic best practices.
Gallaudet University is not just any institution; it is the world’s only university designed to be barrier-free for Deaf and hard of hearing students. This legacy of excellence and deep understanding of Deaf culture and communication is embedded within ASL Connect’s online courses. By choosing ASL Connect, you benefit from:
- Expert-Developed Curriculum: Courses are designed by experienced ASL instructors and Deaf education professionals at Gallaudet University.
- Authentic Cultural Immersion: Learn ASL within the context of Deaf culture, gaining valuable insights into the community, etiquette, and perspectives.
- Structured Learning Paths: Progressive curriculum from beginner to advanced levels ensures a solid foundation and continuous development of your ASL skills.
- Engaging and Interactive Learning: ASL Connect utilizes innovative online tools and virtual sessions to create an immersive and effective learning environment.
Two Distinct Pathways to ASL Fluency with ASL Connect
ASL Connect recognizes that learners have diverse goals and needs. To cater to this, they offer two distinct pathways for your online ASL classes: Professional Studies Training and Undergraduate University Credit.
1. Professional Studies Training (Professional Studies Credit)
This pathway is perfect for individuals seeking personal enrichment, professional development, or supplemental training in ASL. It offers flexibility and focuses on practical ASL skills without the requirements of formal academic credit.
- Ideal for:
- Personal enrichment and expanding communication skills.
- Professionals in fields like healthcare, education, social work, and customer service who want to better communicate with Deaf individuals.
- Individuals seeking continuing education units or professional development.
- Key Features:
- Flexible learning pace with structured deadlines.
- Focus on practical ASL communication skills.
- Access to engaging virtual language sessions with instructors or teaching assistants.
- No academic credit awarded.
- Suitable for learners who do not require transcripts or transferable credits.
2. Undergraduate (Official University Credit)
This option is designed for students pursuing an undergraduate degree or those who desire transferable academic credit for their ASL studies. It provides a rigorous academic experience recognized by universities and colleges.
- Ideal for:
- Undergraduate students fulfilling language requirements.
- Students aiming to earn transferable college credit.
- Individuals planning to pursue further education in Deaf studies or related fields.
- Key Features:
- Earn official university credit from Gallaudet University.
- Credits are potentially transferable to other institutions (verify with your institution).
- Graded coursework and academic transcript upon completion.
- Rigorous curriculum aligned with university standards.
Important Note: Tuition fees differ between Professional Studies and Undergraduate Credit options. If you are interested in university credit, it’s advisable to consult the Gallaudet University tuition and fee schedule for detailed information. Always confirm credit transferability with your home institution to ensure the credits align with your academic goals.
Comprehensive Online ASL Course Levels: From Beginner to Advanced
ASL Connect offers a progressive curriculum spanning six levels, ensuring a comprehensive learning journey from foundational knowledge to advanced conversational skills. Each course level builds upon the previous one, gradually expanding your vocabulary, grammatical understanding, and cultural awareness.
ASL 1: Stepping into the World of ASL and Deaf Culture
This introductory online ASL class is your first step into American Sign Language and Deaf Culture. You’ll begin by understanding fundamental cultural etiquette within the Deaf community, such as gaining attention, backchanneling, and recognizing Deaf-friendly spaces. Learn essential conversation starters to introduce yourself and discuss topics like family, work, school, and milestones.
- Key Learning Points:
- Fundamentals of handedness and fingerspelling.
- Importance of facial expressions in ASL grammar and conveying emotion.
- Understanding ASL’s Object-Subject-Verb (OSV) sentence structure.
- History of ASL and its recognition as a distinct language.
- Equity issues in education and employment for Deaf individuals.
- 8 or 15-week asynchronous format with scheduled virtual language sessions.
ASL 2: Building Deeper Connections in the Deaf Community
Building upon ASL 1, this online ASL class focuses on deepening your connection with the Deaf community. Explore the significance of Deaf spaces like clubs, camps, and sports teams, and learn appropriate social etiquette within these settings. Expand your vocabulary to describe homes, communities, and directions.
- Key Learning Points:
- Vocabulary for describing residences and communities.
- Giving directions in ASL.
- Using a calendar to schedule events and appointments.
- Expressing opinions, interests, and hobbies.
- Introduction to semantics and choosing conceptually accurate signs.
- Learning about Deaf folklore, including the “planet EYETH.”
- 8 or 15-week asynchronous format with scheduled virtual language sessions.
ASL 3: Exploring the Rich Diversity of Deaf Culture
This online ASL class delves into the diversity within the Deaf community, encompassing Deaf ethnic groups and the DeafBlind community. Learn about unique cultural and linguistic aspects shared within these groups and their contributions to the broader community. Refine your cultural understanding of attention-getting techniques and backchanneling in Deaf conversations.
- Key Learning Points:
- Understanding the diversity within Deaf culture and language.
- Cultural etiquette in Deaf spaces and conversations.
- Vocabulary for describing food, people, and homes.
- Creative use of handshapes to describe appearance and texture.
- Architectural preferences in Deaf-friendly home design.
- 8-week asynchronous format (Session A only) with scheduled virtual language sessions.
ASL 4: ASL for Career, Wellness, and Travel
This online ASL class focuses on practical ASL applications in professional and everyday life scenarios. Learn vocabulary related to careers, employment, finance, and consumerism. Explore concepts of wellness, nutrition, common illnesses, and emergency situations. Prepare for travel by learning about weather, directions, and navigating airports and lodging.
- Key Learning Points:
- Vocabulary for careers, employment, and finance.
- Discussing wellness, nutrition, and health.
- Navigating emergencies and seeking assistance.
- Understanding weather systems and natural disasters.
- Following maps and directions for travel.
- Navigating airports and lodging in ASL.
- 8-week asynchronous format (Session B only) with scheduled virtual language sessions.
ASL 5: Mastering ASL Narratives and Storytelling
This advanced online ASL class transitions you to longer forms of expression, focusing on narratives and storytelling. Explore the historical development of ASL, efforts to suppress it, and the contributions of Deaf historical figures. Learn the building blocks of compelling ASL narratives, including opening and closing phrases, concept descriptions, and temporal aspects.
- Key Learning Points:
- History of ASL development and preservation.
- Notable Deaf historical figures and their impact.
- American and Canadian Deaf history and storytelling traditions.
- Developing opening and closing phrases for narratives.
- Using intensifiers and mouth morphemes to enhance storytelling.
- Incorporating adverbs and modifying verbs for character development.
- 8-week synchronous format (Session A only) with scheduled virtual language sessions.
ASL 6: Advanced ASL and Deaf Culture: Specialized Topics
The highest level online ASL class, ASL 6, delves into specialized topics prevalent within Deaf culture, building upon your advanced language foundation. Explore the concept of Deaf culture as a “collective community” and apply cinematic features to enhance your narratives. Learn to discuss complex topics like the human body, medical procedures, sports, animals, and universal design for accessibility.
- Key Learning Points:
- Understanding Deaf culture as a “collective community.”
- Adding cinematic features to ASL narratives.
- Expressing concepts related to the human body and medical procedures.
- Specialized numbering systems for sports statistics and vocabulary.
- Describing animals, habitats, and terrain.
- Universal design principles for accessible sporting events and performances.
- 8-week synchronous format (Session B only) with scheduled virtual language sessions.
*Asynchronous learning allows you to learn at your own pace within a timeframe. Synchronous learning involves virtual classes at scheduled times with instructors and classmates. All ASL courses include live virtual language sessions for real-time feedback and interaction.*
Enhance Your Learning with VIBE (Virtual Immersion, Best Experience)
To further enrich your online ASL classes experience, ASL Connect offers VIBE (Virtual Immersion, Best Experience). This optional program provides access to weekly Zoom events with diverse ASL immersion activities. VIBE offers a fun and interactive way to practice your ASL skills, connect with fellow learners, and immerse yourself further in Deaf culture. The VIBE activity fee is optional and available per session.
Course Fees and Schedule Overview
ASL Connect offers transparent and competitive course fees for their online ASL classes. Below is a summary of the fees for Professional Studies Credit courses. Refer to the Gallaudet University website for the most up-to-date tuition information and fees for Undergraduate Credit options.
Course Fees: Professional Studies Credit
| Course | Credits* | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| ASL 1 (Asynchronous with six scheduled language sessions) | 3 credits* | $990.00 |
| ASL 2 (Asynchronous with six scheduled language sessions) | 3 credits* | $990.00 |
| ASL 3 (Asynchronous with six scheduled language sessions) | 3 credits* | $990.00 |
| ASL 4 (Asynchronous with six scheduled language sessions) | 3 credits* | $990.00 |
| ASL 5 (Synchronous with six scheduled language sessions) | 3 credits* | $990.00 |
| ASL 6 (Synchronous with six scheduled language sessions) | 3 credits* | $990.00 |
| Application Fee (non-refundable) | $75 | |
| Virtual Immersion, Best Experience (VIBE) Activity Fee (optional) | $50 per 8-week session OR $100 per 15-week session |
Note: ‘*’ means equivalent to 3 credits. Always confirm credit transferability with your institution.
Course Schedule Overview for 2023-2024
| FALL 2024 | SPRING 2025 | SUMMER 2025 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| ONLINE | ONLINE | ONLINE | ONLINE |
| 15-week Session | 15-week Session | ||
| August 26 – December 20 | January 21 – May 9 | ||
| 8-week (Session A) | 8-week (Session A) | 8-week | |
| August 26 – October 18 | January 21 – March 14 | May 26 – July 18 | |
| 8-week (Session B) | 8-week (Session B) | ||
| October 21 – December 20 | March 17 – May 9 |
Embark on Your ASL Journey Today!
Learning American Sign Language online with ASL Connect offers an exceptional opportunity to acquire a valuable language skill, connect with a rich culture, and expand your communication horizons. With expert-designed courses, flexible learning pathways, and a supportive online environment, you’ll be well-equipped to achieve your ASL learning goals. Explore the online ASL classes at ASL Connect today and take the first step towards fluency!
