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Sign Language 101 vs Gallaudet University

Wednesday, September 11th

2024 Sign Language Lesson Reviews

Sign Language 101 Review 4.5 Star Rating

Sign Language 101

4.5 Star Rating
  • Pricing: Individual courses at $49.99 each, bundle options at discounted prices
  • Founded by Dr. Byron W. Bridges, a respected figure in Deaf Studies and ASL education
  • Courses are IACET accredited
  • Free videos covering basic vocabulary and complex elements of sign language
  • Paid courses offer HD videos, quizzes, and activity worksheets
  • Self-guided courses that allow learners to move at their own pace
  • ASL courses for children, taught by deaf actress Sandra Mae Frank
  • Active on various social media platforms, posting relevant vocabulary and occasional discount codes
  • 30-day refund policy if not satisfied with the course

Sign Language 101 is a great place to learn American Sign Language. It was founded by Dr. Byron W. Bridges, a respected Deaf educator, and offers a range of courses, both free and paid, for all levels. The free videos cover basic sign language, while the paid courses offer in-depth lessons, quizzes, and worksheets. You can buy individual courses for $49.99 each, or get a bundle for a lower price. They even offer classes for kids. However, your purchase only lasts for a year, so you'll need to set yourself a pace and stick to it. Sign Language 101 has a 30-day refund policy if you're not happy with the course. They also have a strong social media presence, where they share relevant vocabulary and sometimes run discount promotions. Even though you can't find many student reviews, the site offers a lot of free content for you to check out before you buy. Overall, Sign Language 101 is a fun and useful resource for learning ASL, and we highly recommend it.

Gallaudet University Review 3 Star Rating

Gallaudet University

3 Star Rating
  • $990 per course
  • Bilingual institution offering instruction in both English and American Sign Language established in 1864
  • Virtual campus for remote, asynchronous learning
  • Credits earned from its courses may be transferable
  • Comprehensive curriculum from beginner to advanced levels
  • Courses cover diverse aspects of Deaf culture and community
  • Courses include interaction with language mentors and participation in online social events
  • Offers a summer residency program for immersive learning

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.

Where Can You Find the Best Sign Language Lessons Online?

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.

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Sign Language Lesson FAQ

According to the Communication Service for the Deaf, around one million people use American Sign Language (ASL) as their primary means of communication in the US and Canada. There are also approximately 16,000 people in the US who serve as interpreters with sign language.
Yes, because there is no universal sign language. Even among countries where the same spoken language is used (like Australia, England, and the United States), sign language users from different nations may not understand each other. There are also three different primary forms of sign language within the US: ASL, Pidgin Signed English, and Signed Exact English, with ASL being the most commonly used.
ASL has its own structure and is a language in its own right. The visual component of sign language means that the hands, arms, face and head are all used to convey meaning in ways that aren't an inherent part of spoken English. Also, many of the grammatical constructs common to English (like pluralized nouns and articles like "a" and "the" ) don't exist as words within American Sign Language.
You might think that sign language will be easy to learn quickly, because it seems similar to English. Experts say that's a misconception: expect it to take 2-3 years of regular study to get to an intermediate level of fluency, and an additional 2 years of interpretation training if you want to reach full fluency.
No. Some people use sign language to teach basic words and concepts to their babies, like "more" and "all done", before the children are able to talk. Sign language can also be used by people who are non-verbal. And, many learners like studying ASL just for the enjoyment of it!
Finding a sign language class near you might be difficult. While there are often beginner courses taught at libraries and community centers, or offered by colleges and universities, you might not be able to find lessons near you - or ones that fit your schedule and budget. The nice thing about online sign language lessons is that you can learn at your own pace. Need to watch the instructor do each new word or phrase 20 times before you feel you've got it? No problem!
Not necessarily. Some providers of ASL instruction charge a one-time fee for books, videos, and/or downloadable materials, while others operate on a month-to-month subscription basis for access to online coursework. Both approaches to sign language lessons are affordable, and are usually much less costly than paying for classes at a college or university.
Sometimes. It depends on where you buy your sign language lessons. We recommend that you see what each course offers as a preview before you sign up, whether that's a demo lesson, downloads of sample coursework, or a free 7-day trial. The more you know about how the lessons are taught and what's covered beforehand, the easier it will be to determine which ASL coursework is right for you.
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Continued from above...

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:

  • Content quality and relevance. You'll want a course that covers everything from the basics to more advanced conversations. For example, if you're learning sign language to communicate with a deaf child, look for lessons that include signs for family, emotions, and daily routines.
  • Interactive learning tools. Opt for courses that make learning fun and effective with quizzes, games, or even a virtual practice buddy. This can help you practice signing in real-time, which is crucial for building your confidence.
  • Feedback and support. It can be helpful to have access to personalized feedback on your signing. Some platforms may offer video assessments or allow you to connect with experienced signers for advice.
  • Flexibility and accessibility. Whether you prefer learning late at night or during your morning commute, the best online lessons work with your schedule and are accessible on various devices.

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.

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