Our reviewers evaluate products and services based on unbiased research. Top Consumer Reviews may earn money when you click on a link. Learn more about our process.
Monday, October 14th
Sign It ASL, or Sign It!, is an online sign language course you can take at your own pace. You'll learn from famous ASL community stars who bring expertise and passion to the video-based lessons. You'll own the lessons forever, so you can revisit them anytime. It's affordable too, with all 20 available lessons costing $159.99. They even offer free lessons for families of deaf children under 3 in the US. The course covers a lot of topics, from basics to more advanced aspects of ASL. Plus, they offer a free ASL dictionary with over 1,000 terms. In the end, the course is highly recommended. It's an engaging and affordable way to learn sign language, especially since you can keep the lessons for life. The only drawback is that we're still waiting for the final lessons to be funded. But overall, it's definitely worth checking out.
Gallaudet University, founded in 1864, is a bilingual institution that teaches in English and American Sign Language. It offers remote learning through a virtual campus. You'll find a thorough curriculum of 6 beginner to advanced levels, covering ASL, Deaf culture, and Deaf community. The courses involve some interaction with language mentors and participation in online social events. You can even attend a summer residency program for immersive learning, but this costs more. Each course costs $990 and carries 3 credits, which might be transferable depending on your academic institution. Sadly, the high cost may be prohibitive for many, and they have discontinued their free ASL resource.
Maybe you've decided to learn sign language because you have a deaf child, or perhaps there's a new student at your school who is hard of hearing and you'd like to befriend them. Or it could be that you're simply fascinated by this beautiful, expressive language and want to expand your communication skills. Whatever your reason, learning sign language opens up a new realm of possibilities for connection and understanding.
Learning sign language is unlike picking up any spoken language. You're not just memorizing vocabulary and grammar; you're learning to convey and interpret messages through gestures, facial expressions, and body language. Imagine expressing complex emotions or detailed narratives with your hands and face - it's a whole new way of thinking and communicating.
Also, keep in mind that sign language is not universal; each country, and sometimes regions within countries, has its own sign language with distinct rules and grammar. This means that learning American Sign Language won't necessarily enable you to communicate with someone who uses British Sign Language (BSL), for example.
Online sign language lessons have surged in popularity over the years. This can be attributed to several reasons that make these lessons an attractive option for a diverse range of learners. But one of the main reasons for the popularity of online sign language lessons is the unparalleled convenience they offer.
Sign language learners can access courses over the internet from anywhere in the world, eliminating the need for physical attendance at specific locations. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for people with busy schedules, letting them learn at their own pace and at times that suit their personal and professional commitments.
Another reason why online sign language lessons are so popular is they can provide a wealth of resources and interactive tools that enhance the learning experience. These can include video tutorials, live classes, interactive exercises, and community forums, all designed to foster a deeper understanding and proficiency in sign language.
The multimedia approach of online sign language lessons caters to different learning styles, ensuring that both visual and auditory learners can all benefit from the courses. High-quality video demonstrations by native signers help learners grasp the nuances of signs, facial expressions, and body language, which are crucial aspects of effective communication in sign language.
If you're considering online sign language lessons, you'll find them a flexible, accessible way to learn. Maybe your schedule is packed, and you need to fit lessons in between other commitments. Or you live in a place without a strong Deaf or hard-of-hearing community to practice with. Online lessons offer the chance to learn from the comfort of your home, with resources like video tutorials that show you exactly how to form each sign, and interactive courses that provide feedback on your signing skills.
When you're choosing an online sign language course, keep these points in mind:
Top Consumer Reviews has taken a close look at the available options and ranked the best sign language lessons to help you on your way. Whether you're just starting or looking to deepen your knowledge, we hope this guide aids you in finding the perfect sign language lessons to fit your life and learning goals.
Select any 2 Sign Language Lessons to compare them head to head