Whether you want to become an interpreter, or just learn a few basics in order to communicate with the Deaf community, these courses make it easier than ever to get started.
And don’t worry — sign language is actually quite easy and fun to learn! So let’s get signing!
Gallaudet University – Best Overall
Gallaudet University is an excellent choice for those looking to learn the fundamentals of sign language and gain insight into the deaf culture. With online courses ranging from ASL levels 1-4 to Fingerspelling, Visual Gestural Communication, and more, students can explore the world of sign language in a way that works best for them. Best of all, introductory lessons are free!
Gallaudet also offers bilingual courses on special topics such as Introduction to Deaf Studies, Black Deaf People Studies, and Deaf Women’s Studies. Whether you’re looking to start at the beginning or further your existing skills, Gallaudet University has something for everyone interested in learning Sign Language.
I had the privilege of taking an ASL course at Gallaudet University and it was truly a life-changing experience. The courses were taught by experienced professionals who had a deep understanding of sign language and deaf culture. I learned more than just how to communicate using sign language; I also gained insight into the Deaf community that I never would have gotten without the course. Not only did I learn practical skills, but I also gained a deeper appreciation for those in the Deaf community, which has made my interactions with them much easier. All in all, this course through Gallaudet University is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to expand their knowledge of sign language and gain insight into deaf culture.
Pros:
– Free introductory lessons
– Professional ASL instructors
– Variety of courses to choose from, including Fingerspelling and Visual Gestural Communication
– Bilingual deaf studies courses available
Cons:
– More expensive than some other online sign language courses
– No ability to practice with native signers or receive real-time feedback on signing skills.
American Sign Language University – Best Budget
American Sign Language University (ASLU) is the ultimate online learning resource for those looking to learn sign language. Developed by Dr. Bill Vicars, a deaf associate professor of American Sign Language and Deaf Studies at California State University in Sacramento with 20 years of experience teaching ASL, ASLU provides an extensive selection of self-guided courses completely free of charge.
With video lessons, vocabulary lists, practice assignments, recommended reading materials, and even lessons on Deaf culture, ASLU has everything you need to get started or further your existing skills. Whether you’re just starting out or already have some knowledge of ASL, ASLU is an excellent choice for anyone interested in learning sign language!
I recently took advantage of the free resources offered by ASLU, and I can honestly say that Dr. Vicar’s video lessons are top-notch. The instructional videos were easy to follow and provided a thorough introduction to sign language, from the basics such as alphabet and numbers, to more advanced concepts like facial expressions and non-manual signals. As a beginner trying to learn ASL for the first time, I found the lessons to be extremely helpful in improving my understanding of the language. Additionally, since all of the courses are self-guided, it was very easy for me to work at my own pace, which was great because I had other commitments outside of learning sign language. Overall, I would highly recommend ASLU to anyone interested in learning sign language!
Pros:
– Completely free ASL resource
– Highly informative instructional videos
– Variety of lessons and activities on Deaf culture
– Self-guided courses that can be completed at your own pace
Cons:
– Limited ability to practice with native signers or receive real time feedback on signing skills.
ASL Meredith – Best for Beginners
ASL Meredith provides an online, self-paced course designed to teach the foundations of grammar, vocabulary, and conversation for complete ASL beginners. The creator of the beginner course is a certified ASL instructor with a Master’s degree in Teaching ASL as a Foreign Language. Her six-module Foundations of ASL course includes video instruction, practice assignments, and quizzes designed to guide students through conversation and comprehension with increasing complexity.
Learners can take as little or as much time as they need to complete the estimated six-week program. The beginner class costs around $179 and includes lifetime access, but ASL Meredith offers a payment plan of about $49 per month to be made over the course of four months. With her comprehensive course and helpful resources, ASL Meredith is the perfect choice for anyone interested in learning sign language!
I recently took ASL Meredith’s Foundations of ASL course and was extremely impressed with the content. I found the lessons to be well-structured, informative, and engaging, which made it easy to learn new signs and practice old ones. The quizzes at the end of each lesson were also helpful in providing an additional layer of comprehension. As someone who is completely new to sign language, I especially appreciated being able to pause and rewind video lessons if I needed more time or needed to review something a second time. Overall, I would definitely recommend this course for anyone interested in learning sign language!
Pros:
– Comprehensive course with six modules
– Video instruction and practice assignments
– Quizzes at the end of each lesson to reinforce comprehension
– Ability to pause and rewind video lessons if needed
– Affordable payment plan options available
Cons:
– No real time feedback or ability to practice with native signers.
Sign It! ASL – Best for Families
ASL is an online, self-paced sign language course and resource designed with homeschoolers in mind. Through a partnership with the Signing Time Foundation and the National Center for Hearing Assessment and Management, Sign It! ASL provides families in the United States with a child under 36 months old who has any degree of hearing loss access to their comprehensive course entirely free of charge.
The course consists of about 20 units, each of which includes vocabulary, stories, conversation practice, lessons on deaf culture, quizzes, and more all taught by deaf actors, advocates, and performers. Units of five are available to purchase with lifetime access for around $50 each or all 20 units can be bought in a bundle for about $ 160. Sign It! ASL offers an excellent way for families to learn and practice sign language, as well as educate themselves about deaf culture and advocacy.
I recently took a few of the units from Sign It! ASL’s online course and was really impressed with the content. I found the lessons to be engaging, informative, and easy to understand which made it easier for me to pick up on new signs and review old ones. The quizzes at the end of each lesson were also helpful in reinforcing what I had learned. As someone who is completely new to sign language, I especially appreciated having access to video lessons that could be paused if needed or rewound if I wanted more time to review something again. All in all, I would highly recommend Sign It! ASL’s courses for anyone interested in learning sign language. It offers an excellent way for families to learn and practice sign language, as well as educate themselves about deaf culture and advocacy. I’m already excited to take the next set of lessons!
Pros:
– Comprehensive sign language course with 20 units and engaging lessons taught by deaf actors, advocates, and performers.
– Lifetime access to purchased units
– Ability to pause, rewind video lessons if needed
– Affordable payment plan options available
Cons:
– No real-time feedback or ability to practice with native signers.
Start ASL – Best for School Credit
Start ASL offers an ideal way for students to learn American Sign Language (ASL) for academic credit. Designed as a curriculum-supported platform modeled after a classroom setting, Start ASL provides comprehensive lessons and assignments in three levels to cover the same topics as one year of high school or one semester of college language courses.
The subscriptions offered by Start ASL are tailored to suit various needs—the basic subscription (Silver) comes with course access, written feedback on assignments, and a certificate of completion; while the upgraded subscription (Gold) includes video feedback and increased student support. Both plans offer monthly payments at about $25 and $50 respectively, with annual payment options available for optimal savings. With the ability to upgrade, downgrade , or cancel the subscription at any time, Start ASL is the perfect way to learn sign language for school credit.
I recently used Start ASL’s Gold subscription to learn sign language and I was incredibly impressed with the comprehensive lessons and assignments. The video feedback from deaf performers, advocates, and actors was invaluable in improving my understanding of this beautiful language. I also found the exclusive Facebook group to be a great way to practice with other learners and gain insight into deaf culture. Overall, I had an excellent experience with Start ASL’s curriculum-supported platform that has allowed me to confidently communicate using sign language! It is truly an amazing resource f
Pros:
– Comprehensive course modeled after classroom setting
– Conversation practice with access to exclusive Facebook group
– Three levels equivalent to one year of high school or college semester of language courses
– Silver and Gold subscriptions tailored to various needs
Cons:
– No real-time feedback from native signers
– Limited assignment feedback (Gold subscription required for video feedback)
SignOn Connect – Best for One-on-One Lessons
SignOn Connect is an exceptional online platform for learning sign language, offering students the unique opportunity to connect with deaf community members in one-on-one video conferencing sessions. Each session focuses on building relationships with the deaf community and improving language retention, lasting 30 minutes and costing around $25 per session.
Bundles of sessions provide significant savings, and members of the American Society for Deaf Children have access to five free sessions when signing up for their annual membership of $35. SignOn’s team of dedicated deaf ambassadors provides a supportive environment that helps improve test scores by as much as 37%, making it the perfect way to learn sign language while connecting with the deaf community.
I recently tried out SignOn Connect to learn sign language and was blown away by the experience. The one-on-one sessions with a deaf ambassador were incredibly informative and engaging, allowing me to develop a greater understanding of the language and deepen my connection to the deaf community. As an added bonus, I found that my test scores in sign language had improved significantly after using SignOn – something that I would never have been able to achieve on my own! In short, SignOn Connect is an invaluable resource for anyone looking for a comprehensive online platform to learn sign language while developing meaningful relationships with members of the deaf community. Highly recommended!
Pros:
– One-on-one video sessions with native deaf signers
– Supports an immersive learning experience
– Can result in improved test scores by up to 37%
Cons:
– More expensive than other online ASL platforms
– Not suitable for those who need more detailed feedback on assignments and projects.
ASLDeafined – Best for Vocabulary
ASLDeafined is an excellent online platform for learning American Sign Language (ASL) vocabulary. With a continuously expanding video dictionary of more than 15,000 words and 300 themed lessons and activities, ASLDeafined provides users with an expansive self-guided way to learn the language. Before beginning lessons, users must self-identify as deaf learners, a parent of a deaf or hard-of-hearing child, or a member of the general public in order to receive tailored material accordingly.
A progress chart also tracks changes in learning and retention to help users remain motivated and improve memorization. ASLDeafined offers a renewable three-day free trial, with an annual subscription costing around $36 for individuals and $12 for educators. Subscriptions can be canceled at any time and access will continue until the end of the subscription period. With its comprehensive language content, ASLDeafined is an ideal system for anyone wanting to learn ASL more effectively.
I recently tried out ASLDeafined to learn sign language and was thoroughly impressed by the experience. I found that the lessons were tailored to my individual needs and allowed me to develop a greater understanding of the language in a self-guided manner. The video dictionary had an enormous selection of words, with each one accompanied by helpful explanations on how to pronounce them correctly. The progress chart also helped me to track my learning journey, making it easier for me to stay motivated and focus on difficult words or signs for future study. In short, ASLDeafined is an incredibly useful resource for anyone looking for an immersive online platform to learn sign language at their own pace. Highly recommended!
Pros:
– Comprehensive library of 15,000+ words and 300 themed lessons
– Tailored material according to the user’s self-identification group
– Progress chart tracks changes in learning and retention
Cons:
– More expensive than some other online courses/platforms
– Not suitable for those who need more detailed feedback on assignments and projects.
Udemy – Best Asl Online Course Overall
Udemy’s ASL course is an extensive and comprehensive video-based course perfect for any beginner looking to learn the basics of American Sign Language. Led by an experienced instructor, the course provides in-depth coverage of topics such as the alphabet, numbers, colors and family relationships. The history of ASL is discussed, allowing a greater understanding of how it came to develop as well as enhancing cultural awareness.
Questions can be asked via a Q&A section after each video, with a downloadable workbook available to help you test and review your learning progress. Moreover, this course will not only teach you the signs but also explain how they are formed and provide guidance on forming full sentences rather than individual words or phrases. With a total of 2.5 hours of videos and an affordable price tag, Udemy’s ASL course is a great option for anyone wanting to learn sign language effectively.
I recently signed up for Udemy’s ASL course and found it to be a great learning experience. The videos were clear and concise, making it easy for me to follow along and understand the signs being taught. I was also able to ask questions via the Q&A section after each video, which was incredibly helpful when I encountered anything confusing or particularly difficult. The workbook that accompanied the course was also very useful in testing my progress, as it allowed me to go over what I had already learned and focus on any areas that needed more attention. Overall, Udemy’s ASL course has been an invaluable asset in helping me learn sign language and I can highly recommend it!
Pros:
– Comprehensive coverage of topics with an experienced instructor
– Q&A section and downloadable workbook for extra help
– Explains how signs are formed and how to use in conversations/sentences
Cons:
– Short length (2.5 hours) compared to other courses/platforms
– Not suitable for more advanced learners who want greater detail on individual topics or harder questions.
Lingvano – Best For Bite-size Learning
Lingvano is the perfect platform for learning American Sign Language. With its bite-sized lessons and interactive games, it’s easy for anyone to learn the language in just a few minutes each day. Every lesson comes with a useful webcam feature so students can see themselves doing the signs correctly, and all lessons are accessible on any device (desktop, smartphone or tablet), making learning on the go possible.
The course contains five modules of 12 lessons each, resulting in around 60 lessons overall, and by the end, you should be able to hold basic conversations in ASL as well as describe opinions and observations about things in your environment. Subscription prices range from $9.99 to $17.99 depending on your payment plan – and a few free lessons are available to try before committing. Lingvano is ideal for those looking for an affordable and convenient way to learn American Sign Language.
I recently subscribed to Lingvano’s ASL course, and I’m really impressed with the progress I’ve made so far. The bite-size lessons were perfect for me as I could easily fit them into my lunch break or in the evening after work without feeling like it was taking up too much of my time. Plus, the interactive games kept me engaged so I didn’t get bored or overwhelmed when learning new signs. The webcam feature also came in really handy as it allowed me to check that I was doing each sign correctly – even if I couldn’t see myself signing properly in a mirror! All in all, Lingvano’s ASL course has been an incredibly helpful resource for me and I ‘d highly recommend it to anyone looking to learn American Sign Language.
Pros:
– Bite-size lessons and interactive games make learning fun
– Useful webcam feature to see if you’re doing the signs correctly
– Accessible on any device (desktop, smartphone or tablet)
– Affordable subscription plan with a few free lessons available to try before committing
Cons:
– Not suitable for more advanced learners who want greater detail on individual topics or harder questions.
– Short length compared to other courses/platforms.
Signschool – Best For Intermediate Learners
SignSchool is a great platform to help progress your American Sign Language (ASL) skills, ideal for those who are not complete beginners. With video lessons, interactive exercises and grammar modules, you can pick the difficulty level of your learning experience – Beginner, Intermediate or Advanced – and benefit from using your webcam to practice ‘real world’ context.
Despite currently being in beta, Signschool offers all its content for free which makes it the perfect companion to any other ASL courses or subscriptions you may have. Whether you’re just beginning your journey to learn ASL or brushing up on existing knowledge this platform provides an easy-to-digest approach that will help you become more confident with the language.
I found SignSchool to be an extremely useful platform when it came to progressing my American Sign Language (ASL) skills. I had already learnt the basics of ASL, but this provided a great opportunity for me to brush up on my existing knowledge in an interactive and dynamic way. Through video lessons, easy-to-digest modules and exercises I was able to pick the difficulty level most appropriate for me – Intermediate – as well as practice using the language with a webcam feature which was really helpful. The fact that all content is available for free makes it the perfect companion to any other ASL courses or subscriptions you may have – highly recommended!
Pros:
– Bite-size lessons and interactive games make learning fun
– Useful webcam feature to practice ASL in a ‘real world’ context
– Accessible on any device (desktop, smartphone or tablet)
– Affordable subscription plan with some content available for free
– Allows learners to pick their difficulty level – Beginner, Intermediate or Advanced
Cons:
– Not suitable for complete beginners looking for more comprehensive courses.
– Still being developed so not as broad or comprehensive as some of its competitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Basics of Learning Sign Language Online?
The basics of learning sign language online include understanding the different grammar rules and syntax, watching videos of native speakers signing and practicing with their hands. Additionally, it is important to make use of interactive exercises in order to get a real feel for the language. Finally, enrolling in an online course or joining an online community can be great resources when it comes to advancing your knowledge.
Can I Learn Sign Language for Free?
Yes, you can learn sign language for free through many platforms such as YouTube channels, blogs, and various websites dedicated to teaching ASL. However, if you are looking for a more comprehensive approach then enrolling in an online course or joining an online community may be beneficial.
How Long Does It Take To Learn Sign Language?
The amount of time it takes to learn sign language depends on your individual goals and the level of commitment you are willing to give. If you have an hour or two a day available for practice, then it could take around six months to become conversational in ASL. However, if you are only able to dedicate a few hours a week then it may take longer.
Who Can Benefit From an Online Sign Language Class?
Anyone who is interested in learning sign language can benefit from an online class. Whether you are a complete beginner or have been signing for years, there is something for everyone. Online classes provide an interactive platform that allows learners to pick their difficulty level (beginner, intermediate or advanced) and practice using the language with a webcam feature. They also allow people to learn at their own pace, which makes them ideal for busy individuals who cannot commit to long-term courses.
How Much Does an Online Sign Language Class Cost?
The cost of an online sign language class will vary depending on the provider, but generally speaking most providers offer a range of subscription plans. Some providers may even provide some content for free, which can be beneficial for those who are looking to get started without having to commit to a long-term plan. Furthermore, many platforms often have discounts or promotional offers available throughout the year.
How We Chose The Best Online Sign Language Classes
We evaluated all the available options based on their ease of use, content quality, interactivity and affordability. We looked for courses that had video lessons with clear instructions and helpful visuals to help learn ASL quickly and effectively. Additionally, it was important to find classes that allowed learners to pick the difficulty level most appropriate for them as well as practice using the language with a webcam feature which was really helpful. The fact that all content is available for free makes it the perfect companion to any other ASL courses or subscriptions you may have – highly recommended!
We hope this guide was helpful in helping you find the best online sign language classes! Good luck on your journey to becoming a fluent signer! ?
Good luck and happy signing! 😉