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American Sign Language Beginner 1 Online (Thurs., 6-8pm CT)
Class
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Justin Pardo - Instructor
About
While we accept registrations up to week two for a confirmed class, please enroll by September 23. This is when class confirmation/cancellation decisions are made, and your registration can make a difference.
Objective: Learners in this first course in American Sign Language (ASL) will begin developing basic communication skills through interactive activities and guided conversations. By the end of the course, learners will be able to greet others, introduce themselves or others, exchange basic personal information, discuss family and feelings, use fingerspelling for names and unfamiliar words, and describe simple daily routines. Learners will also be introduced to foundational Deaf cultural practices and respectful communication within the Deaf community
Can-Do Statements: Upon successful completion of this course, learners will be able to:
Greet others and introduce themselves in ASL
Ask and answer simple questions about personal information, including where they live, family, feelings, and daily routine
Spell words using the ASL alphabet and recognize them when others sign them
Ask for clarification by requesting that a sign be repeated or signed more slowly
Use numbers when sharing information about themselves and their daily lives
Use appropriate visual communication strategies, including gaining someone’s attention respectfully
Use of the Language: This course has been designed in such a way that most of the class time will be devoted to communication and will be taught in the target language (i.e., the language that you are studying). After being introduced to the language during the first class session, you are encouraged to use the target language as much as possible. You are not expected to understand everything, and you can expect to be pushed beyond your comfort zone. However, your instructor is there to make sure you can succeed in meeting the goals of the activities and of the class in general. Our goal is for you to be able to communicate in the target language, and we cannot learn to speak a language without speaking it. Please remember that we learn best by making mistakes, and we encourage you to try to do your best. Don’t forget that your instructor is there to support you in class and is also available via the Matrix messaging system for assistance.
Tech Support: For any technology issues, initiate contact by submitting a ticket https://tiny.utk.edu/tlcsupport
Technology Needed:
For both online and in-person classes
- Functioning desktop or laptop; tablets are not recommended, and phones are not a good option
- Access to a stable Internet connection
For online classes -
- Webcam: we ask that you use your webcam in class as this helps to create a feeling of classroom community.
- Microphone
Digital literacies requirements
- For both online and in-person classes, understanding of how to log in and navigate Matrix, our learning management system, to access resources (e.g., homework, eBook for Spanish, etc.); a Matrix Getting Started Guide is made available to students once the class is confirmed.
- For online classes, several Zoom tutorials are available to learn basic skills (e.g., mute/unmute, turning camera on, use of chat, etc.): Zoom Tutorials
Expectations/Time Commitment: Although homework is not required, it is strongly recommended that you set aside at least 2 hours outside of the weekly 2-hour class to engage in and practice the course material, and additional time watch ASL videos online, and to engage with Deaf people as often as possible. Quizzes and Deaf event attendance are for the learner’s benefit. The level of success is directly tied to the amount of effort put into practicing what has been taught in class.
Class Materials:
Class Materials: Instructor-provided materials, including presentations, handouts, videos, and practice activities, will be provided throughout the course at no additional cost.
Optional suggested supplemental materials: Available at Amazon and many local bookstores.
1. American Sign Language Phrase Book w/DVD, Lou Fant and Barbara Bernstein Fant.
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3. Start ASL (free online ASL learning resources): https://www.startasl.com/