For the first week of my inquiry I have decided to look into some resources that can help me start developing my ASL skills. I am so excited to use all of these new resources to start my learning journey!
Apps
The first place I chose to look for resources was the App Store. After looking into the different apps a little bit I chose to download three that I felt would best help me start learning ASL.
1. Lingavano→ This is an interactive app that is accessible across all of your devices. It aims to teach ASL in small lessons so that you can build your knowledge by learning for just a few minutes at a time. This app is structured similarly to DuoLingo with its small lessons, reviews, and quizzes. So far I have only tried the introduction module, but this app seems like it will be very helpful.
2. The ASL App→ This app was created to teach conversational ASL. It is full of videos that are organized by category so it is super easy to find information on whatever you want to learn. In the app you are able to control the speed of the videos and save signs that you may want to review again. I have just looked through this app a little bit, but I am excited to explore it more, I think using the videos will be super helpful.
3. Marlee Signs→ In this app, deaf actress Marlee Matlin teaches ASL fundamentals. The app has an awesome spelling feature where you can type in a word and it will show you how to spell it in ASL. It also includes a slow motion feature on videos so you can see all of the details. I have tested out the spelling feature of this app and it has worked great.
YouTube Channels
Another great resource for learning ASL is YouTube videos. There are a lot of videos out there that can be used to learn ASL, but I have found a few channels that I think are going to be especially helpful.
1. Learn how to sign → This channel is full of ASL lessons. They have posted videos on ASL basics, number signs, food signs, school signs, and many more. The first video I watched from this channel was the Learning ASL? Learn This FIRST!!! (10 Things You Need to Know About ASL) video.
2. ASL Meredith→ This channel is a great starting resource. It is meant for people who are just starting to learn ASL. The videos feature basic vocabulary, phrases, and grammar. The first video I watched from this channel was the Channel Intro – Welcome to ASL Meredith!
Websites
The last resource I found was the LifePrint website. This website features many lessons for ASL beginners. Most of the lessons are 20-45 minute videos guided by Dr.Bill who is a Professor of ASL and Deaf Studies at California State University. This website also includes many other resources for people who are learning ASL.
Thanks for reading, come back to follow my progress!
rachelroses
Wow! You really went all out in adding Youtube videos and links in your first Inquiry post, good for you! I think that ASL is such a great skill for all teachers to learn, so kudos to you for choosing this topic! I didn’t know that there were so many helpful apps to learn ASL, I will definitely check them out!
jessicaliebe
I am amazed at how many resources you have already gathered, I think that they will provide a very solid foundation from which you can investigate your inquiry. I think that the Youtube videos will be especially helpful because ASL is probably easiest to learn from visual sources over written ones.
alice
What an interesting inquiry! and so relevant for teachers. My Uncle was a teacher at an all deaf school in Vancouver for many years and he found it very rewarding and enjoyable.