About Free Online ASL Classes and Training Resources
Free online ASL training programs are typically self-paced and don't result in course credit. Accredited online American Sign Language classes are available but are not free; students interested in an ASL certificate or associate/bachelor's degree should seek an accredited program. However, for those exploring whether this might be a career field to pursue, several free online resources can provide an introduction to ASL. These online resources are also valuable for those looking to learn ASL for personal benefit.
The sections below outline some of the American sign language training programs and resources offered by many different organizations. Some organizations also provide supplementary materials to enhance learning, and many include videos that may require additional software, such as QuickTime. Free online ASL dictionaries can also serve as resources for learning ASL. Although ASL dictionaries don't provide lesson plans or guided learning, students can use them to find videos or images demonstrating correct signing. These dictionaries can be used to guide self-directed learning.
Where to Find Free Online ASL Classes
ASL University
- ASL University offers four free ASL online courses, with a total of 60 lessons. Each course is separated into three units that contain five lessons each and include quizzes, numbers practice, and fingerspelling practice activities. Most of these online sign language classes consist of objectives, vocabulary, practice sentences, and stories for translation. Each lesson contains visual diagrams and instructor-led videos to demonstrate the correct signing for students.
Start ASL
- Start ASL offers a series of three online ASL classes. Each course includes between 11 and 14 lessons and the sign language training programs include fingerspelling, reading assignments, videos, conversion sentences, and various tips for perfecting skills. These courses cover topics in numbers, grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension.
Udemy: ASL Basics
- These online ASL programs are not free, but are very moderately priced and offers an expansive amount of options. Courses cover the manual alphabet, fingerspelling, greetings, colors, and more. The course program is run by JP Cappalonga, an instructor and ASL educator, who designed the classes for absolute beginners to learning ASL. Each class is followed with a practice lesson that enforces the material and helps students build a strong foundation.
Lesson Tutor
- Lesson Tutor offers an ASL training program in three series that consist of 12 lessons each. Along with an explanation article, each lesson also presents visual diagrams on proper ASL form. Worksheets are provided to demonstrate proper signing. Students can utilize Lesson Tutor's ASL dictionary to translate additional signs.
ExpertVillage
- ExpertVillage, available on YouTube, is separated into 15 parts, and all training is offered through videos that are 2-3 minutes long. These videos teach students to emphasize sign images, body language and facial expression while signing.
SignIt! ASL
- SignIt! is one the best programs to use for families. While it is not completely free, it does aid in the process of getting an American sign language certification online. There are multiple vocabulary models, three difficultly level settings, and receptive conversation practice. These online ASL courses are self-paced so you can fit it to your schedule, but also offers one-on-one person practice with instructors or other ASL users.
ASL Meredith
- If you are looking for a personalized education experience, ASL Meredith is a great option. Although there is a small fee, Meredith is a NY State certified ASL instructor with a MA in Teaching ASL, and offers live classes and individual online lessons. Included in these online ASL courses are time management tips and tricks for learning at home, and a collection of vetted resources that aid in skills like receptive techniques and seeing live ASLin action.
Gallaudet University
- Located in Washington D.C. Gallaudet University has been a learning institution for over 150 years. While Gallaudet University charges a reasonable tuition, it is consistently ranked among the best Translation and Interpretation Colleges. Basic free online ASL lessons are offered through this university when you create an account. The school offers education at all different levels. Programs include undergraduate and graduate degrees and programs for Deaf or hard-of-hearing students in high school, elementary school, and in infancy. An education at Gallaudet University also offers the opportunity of American sign language certification programs online.
ASLDeafined
- This program offers specified lessons for those wishing to learn sign languages for personal use, parents of Deaf children, and Deaf individuals wishing to strengthen ASL skills. ASLDeafined also offers an online ASL dictionary of over 17,000 video words and synonyms. This online ASL program is not totally free, but very affordable at only $36/year.
SignOn Connect
- This online platform offers one of the largest ASL live community models. SignOn allows for live social interaction with the Deaf community through either one-on-one or group sessions with the freedom of a time schedule. This program is available for anyone interested in improving their ASL skills and while free online ASL lessons are not offered, these courses can be accessed at minimal cost per lesson.
Where to Find Free ASL Online Dictionaries
Michigan State University
- ASL Browser has fingerspelling images for letters and short videos for words. Each video is supplemented by a written description explaining why certain signs are made.
Handspeak
- ASL Dictionary sorts common words alphabetically using videos to demonstrate signing. Each word is also offered with definitions, synonyms and related notes. Students can search English-to-ASL, ASL-to-English and ASL medical terms.
SignLanguageStudent.com
- ASL Dictionary provides alphabetical categorization and visual aides to translate common words. After students become familiar with words covered in this dictionary, they can demonstrate their knowledge by deciphering fingerspelling videos found on the website.
Signing Savvy
- Sign Language Dictionary allows students to choose to browse signing categories by letter, fingerspelling, numbers, colors, baby signs, animals and geography. Short videos demonstrate signs to help students learn proper hand and finger movements. For a fee, Signing Savvy also offers additional services, such as printable flashcards and mobile apps.
Frequently Asked Questions about ASL Classes and Training
Who can benefit from online ASL courses?
Everyone will benefit from online ASL courses! ASL is the sixth most common language in the United States. According to goreact.com, learning ASL helps babies communicate better and faster, leads to a higher reading level in kids, increases the ability to process complex spatial information, and produces long-term cognitive benefits.
How long does it take to learn ASL?
As with everything, practice is the best way to make it happen! Since most of the programs differ in course length and course requirement, this question depends on which program fits best to your lifestyle. If you choose a self-paced program and repeat the lesson material 2-3 times, it would take roughly 25-25 hours to complete 5 lessons. In a traditional classroom schedule and setting, most instructors are able to cover 1 lesson in 2-3 weeks, making an academic year able to cover 10-15 lessons.
