Learning American Sign Language helps you connect with the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community. It can also help you at work, school, or even in everyday life.
The good news is that you can now learn ASL online anytime, anywhere. You don't need to go to a special class or spend tons of money.
There are many great ways to learn ASL online from the comfort of your home.
You can take online classes or join online groups. Many websites, apps, and videos make learning ASL an enjoyable experience.
In this post, we'll share the best ways to learn ASL online.
Whether you are just starting or want to improve your skills, these tips will help you make the most of your ASL journey.
Learning ASL Online - Where to Start
Finding the best way to learn ASL online can be overwhelming. There are so many resources out there. You might not know where to start.
Thankfully, there are many different ways to master ASL from the comfort of your own home.
Here are 6 free ways to practice sign language online:
- Start with structured courses.
- Use mobile apps for practice.
- Watch YouTube channels.
- Engage with the Deaf community online.
- Use flashcards and games.
- Follow ASL creators on social media.
What's more, you can do all these things for free. You can rely on one method or use them together.
Of course, the more study techniques you use, the faster you will learn ASL.
Structured Online Courses
Structured courses are one of the best ways to begin learning ASL because they guide you step by step.
When you follow a course, you don't have to plan each step ahead. Instead, you start with the basics, which include:
Then, you can move on to phrases and full sentences. This helps you build your skills in a more effective way.
But what is the best online sign language course?
One great option is SignOn Connect. This course offers authentic virtual learning interactions with a Deaf ASL Ambassador.
These courses often include videos, quizzes, and written materials.
Udemy also offers ASL courses, but they aren't free. They typically cost $10 to $50, depending on sales.
ASL Mobile Apps
The best way to learn ASL online can also include ASL mobile apps.
Instead of using an ASL computer program, language mobile apps are a much better option.
They're perfect for practicing ASL every day. You can use them when you're waiting for the bus or have a few free minutes.
Many apps show videos of people signing, so you can watch the sign and try it yourself.
This helps you learn how the hand moves and how to use facial expressions, which are important in ASL.
ASL Bloom offers short lessons that focus on both vocabulary and sentence-building.
It helps you practice fingerspelling as well. This can be tricky, but it's a vital part of ASL.
ASL Bloom focuses on short, daily lessons. These are great if you want to learn a little bit each day without feeling overwhelmed.
Using apps helps you practice and makes learning feel fun and easy.
YouTube Channels
YouTube is a great place to learn ASL for free.
Many teachers and Deaf creators post videos to help people learn. Watching these videos lets you see how signs are used in real conversations.
This is important because ASL is more than just hand movements. It includes facial expressions and body language, too.
These are also called non-manual markers.
ASL Bloom also has a YouTube channel, so you can watch ASL lessons there as well.
Learning ASL on YouTube is a great option because you can replay videos as many times as you need.
Aside from ASL Bloom's channel, you can also check out:
- ASL University by Dr. Bill Vicars
- Signed With Heart
- Learn How to Sign
- Jessica Flores
- The Daily Moth
Online Deaf Community
One of the best ways to get better at ASL is to practice with those who are Deaf and hard of hearing.
There are many online groups, events, and video chats where you can meet and communicate with Deaf people.
You can meet many Deaf people who are willing to help you, while others are there to learn as well.
For example, Meetup.com often has virtual ASL practice groups.
You can also find Facebook groups for ASL learners and Deaf community events. Some people use Zoom to host ASL chats or classes where you can join from home.
By joining these groups, you can learn how ASL is used in real life.
You'll also learn more about Deaf culture, which is an important part of using ASL respectfully.
Another great way to learn ASL is by attending ASL events in person. Being exposed to ASL helps you get more comfortable signing.
It also improves your skills faster.
Flashcards and Games
Flashcards and games make learning ASL more fun and help you remember signs better.
Flashcards show you a picture or description of a sign on one side and the meaning on the other.
You can test yourself or ask a friend to quiz you.
ASL Bloom offers specific features that allow you to create your own flashcards, making your ASL learning journal all that much more fun.
There are also online games that can help you practice.
For example, SignSchool has matching games where you match signs to words.
Some websites have videos that stop and ask you to choose the correct sign. These games make practice feel like playtime, which keeps you motivated.
ASL Bloom has engaging gamified lessons and quizzes that make learning more fun.
Social Media
Social media provides another way to learn new signs and stay connected to the Deaf community.
Many Deaf creators and ASL teachers post short videos on platforms like:
- TikTok
These videos show signs for everyday words, phrases, jokes, or even songs.
For example, some creators might show how to sign common phrases like "Good morning." They might also teach fun signs related to holidays or current events.
You can also learn about Deaf culture. It will help you see how Deaf people share their stories and experiences.
Following ASL creators helps you learn a little bit every day, even when you're just scrolling through your phone.
Some popular ASL creators include @aslthat and @nyledimarco. Watching their videos keeps you learning in a fun and relaxed way.
You can also follow ASL Bloom on Instagram. We post daily videos so you can learn new signs every day while scrolling through your Instagram feed.
Learn ASL Online with ASL Bloom
If you're looking for the best way to learn ASL online, ASL Bloom is the answer.
With ASL Bloom, you can start from the beginning or improve your existing ASL skills. It's tailored to different types of students, including children and adults.
ASL Bloom includes:
- 23 in-depth modules
- 120 lessons and 1300+ signs and sentences
- A visual dictionary
- Interactive learning tools
- Video lessons
- Practice quizzes and dialogues
- An AI assistant
What makes ASL Bloom a great online learning tool is the flexibility it offers. You can learn ASL anytime you want.
Learning at your own pace makes the entire process less stressful. It also motivates you to learn more signs every day.
What's more, you'll be able to join a community committed to fostering connections through sign language.
You can install ASL Bloom on your phone right now. It's available on both iOS and Android devices.
Download ASL Bloom for the best free ASL lessons today.
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