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Sunday, February 9th
Dr. Byron W. Bridges, a Deaf individual from a Deaf family who has used American Sign Language his entire life, is a respected figure in Deaf Studies and ASL education with degrees from California State University of Northridge, Gallaudet University, and Lamar University. Having over 30 years of experience, he co-founded Sign Language 101 with his son in 2013. His fun teaching style and charisma makes learning ASL really enjoyable - he reminds us a bit of Tom Hanks. It looks like his energy spreads because the other signers on this platform's social media channels are also fun to watch. The platform, initiated with a free course, has grown into a major online ASL hub, offering multiple levels of courses, ASL workbooks, the opportunity to earn Continuing Education Units, and even the first ASL course for children, thus reaching hundreds of thousands of learners globally.
IACET accredited
You'll be glad to know that the sign language lessons you're considering at Sign Language 101 are accredited by the International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET). This accreditation is like a gold seal of approval: it means the courses are top-notch in terms of what you'll learn, how you'll learn it, and what you achieve. It's a promise that you'll be learning the very best the industry has to offer, and your teachers will be pros in their field.
What's in the free videos?
Under the Free Videos tab, you'll find a total of 10 video lessons that cover topics from basic vocabulary to more complex elements of sign language. These lessons will teach you about common words, numbers, colors, pronouns, how to read signs, hand shapes, signing speed, and more. The lessons also touch on specific topics like hobbies, people, body parts, and calendar words.
Paid course access expires after 1 year
In contrast, the paid ASL courses include all new HD video, quizzes, and activity worksheets to extend your learning. By doing the paid courses, you can track your progress across multiple devices and even earn a certificate of completion. The courses are self-guided, meaning you can start whenever you're ready, immediately after you've enrolled and registered. There's no set start or end date, so you can move at your own pace. But be aware - once you've purchased a course, you'll have access to it for only one year. (As far as we can tell, this is a recent change.) They recommend that you complete each level in a minimum of 5 weeks to give yourself enough time to practice between lessons.
$50 each or $90 for total access
There are three pricing options for learning ASL with Sign Language 101. Each option gives you different benefits, so let's break them down:
We also spotted a pop-up advertising 15% off when you sign up for their mailing list.
ASL for kids
Sign Language 101 has two courses for kids: "Discovering Sign Language" and "Going Beyond the Basics". These are priced $49.99 each, and, just like the price structure for the adult courses, you can also get the bundle for $89.99. These lessons are taught by deaf actress Sandra Mae Frank, known for her roles in Broadway and TV shows like NBC's New Amsterdam. She uses clear signing and a lively teaching style that are loved by kids and parents alike.
30 days to get a refund
If you're not happy with your Sign Language 101 course, you can get your money back. But, there are three caveats. First, you can't have finished more than half of the course. Second, you can't have asked for a refund for this course before. And, you have to ask for the refund within 30 days of buying the course. Makes sense!
Active on Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok, and YouTube
We suggest you follow Sign Language 101 on social media, because they're always posting vocabulary relevant to current events. You can even find discount codes sometimes - we spotted a 30% discount on all courses over a recent holiday.
Highly rated by TopConsumerReviews
While it's hard to find student feedback on Sign Language 101, you don't need to rely on reviews when you can see for yourself - the site offers tons of free content for you to explore before deciding on a paid course. While we wish the paid lessons didn't expire after a year, we still think Sign Language 101 is an excellent resource for learners of all ages.
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