Course Description
This live online American Sign Language class is ideal for students in 8th-12th grades. Students will build upon the signs and concepts they learned in American Sign Language 1. They will continue to learn additional signs and practice fingerspelling. In addition, they will learn more advanced ASL grammar, including the use of many classifiers (handshapes that represent different things when signing). We will continue to learn about the Deaf culture and work on receptive skills through authentic resources such as stories and signed books. These resources will be more advanced than in ASL 1, usually without any audio.
Course Structure
During live class each week, students will use the signs they have learned throughout the week to communicate with the teacher and other students. They will work on their receptive skills in both fingerspelling and signing. We will use stories and games to practice these skills.
Throughout the week, students will work through modules where they will learn and practice the signs we will be using in the next class. They will also watch a video of a signed story and learn a little bit about Deaf culture or ASL grammar. Lastly, they will take a quiz to test their new knowledge. Students will be expected to spend about half an hour a day, five days a week on this course.
Who should enroll?
Students in grades 8-12 who have previously taken ASL 1 or comparable amount of experience. Please contact Mrs. Nance for placement questions.
Technology Requirements
- A computer (this class does not work well on a phone or tablet as students need to see each other)
- A good webcam
- High-speed, broadband Internet
- Sound card and microphone (for live sessions)
- Streaming video capabilities to attend live class each week
Evaluation and Feedback
The weekly quizzes will be auto-graded by the computer. This gives students the opportunity to learn from and correct their mistakes. Students will also record themselves signing on Flipgrid; these will be personally graded by me each week. If students or parents have any questions or concerns, they are welcome to email me.
Communication
Students are always welcome to email me with any questions or about anything that they are struggling with. Messages are typically answered within 24 hours. Parents have access to their parent account to monitor their student’s progress, and parents are welcome to email me with questions about the course.
Liadan Brighid O’Connell –
I am a student who took both ASL 1 and ASL 2 with the wonderful Mrs. Nance. She is an amazing teacher. She taught us, not only how to sign, but the culture that comes with it. I’ve learned so much in my time with her and am sad that our time as student and teacher had to end. Thank you for everything Mrs. Nance!