There’s a ton of places to learn ASL online. If you’ve ever wanted to learn American Sign Language, there’s never been a better time.  But which are the best?

When I set out to list the best places to learn ASL online, I was reminded of the worst ones, too. I’m not being negative, it’s just obvious when someone is taking the latter type of course. Exhibit A:

The statement that sends any Deaf person’s eyes rolling:

“I’m learning sign language on YouTube!”

Often, this is then followed by the telltale (front AND backend) “Bulls**t” sign accompanied by the signer’s wild cackling/knee slapping.

Heh. I’ll share a little secret with you:

DEAF PEOPLE DON’T USE THAT SIGN. It’s a signal to us that the person looked up swear words and it’s the only sign they know. Clown flag, basically.

The best places to learn ASL have Deaf instructors

Deaf people do actually want hearing people to learn ASL. Authentically, functionally – in Deaf-led environments. That is, from Deaf instructors who are fluent in ASL.

And then… respectfully.

You are a visitor learning about another culture and full-on language. It’s an institution, man.

A novice signer on TikTok freestyling their way through the score of Wicked should not be the goal, guys. Can you imagine what it’s like for a fluent signer to watch something like that? I mean, I don’t profess to *know* Spanish from the few phrases I learned from Sesame Street or working in restaurants in Southern California. I’m actually quite shy should I have to subject a fluent Spanish speaker to any word I might butcher. So, no–I will not be singing them a song in this lifetime.

Point is, a lot of the “ASL” you see online is produced by those who are not fluent. And when they ARE fluent, the majority of them are hearing and/or non-native signers.

I don’t know about you, but when I want to learn anything about another language, I’ll ask a NATIVE USER of that language. Or at least one who has lived and breathed it most of their lives. I mean, would you rather learn French from someone who lives in Paris or someone flying in quarterly from Milwaukee?

Right.

Also, I would not expect to learn German while the instructor is simultaneously writing Portuguese. Sure, it may be humanly possible since one comes out the mouth and the other via hands and writing implements. But, aside from my eyes crossing trying to process it, chances are, each language will be fighting for brain space and will not truly reach its place in the sun. In other words, it won’t be clear.

Likewise, ASL classes should not be taught by using spoken English. ASL is already a fully fleshed out language. It should be taught in the immersed space it naturally exists and is used, which is 100% inclusive to any Deaf students or teachers also present.

OK, rant over.

WHERE should people learn ASL?

This is the rub. It can be hard for hearing people to know where the best classes are.

I’ve always pointed people to in-person community or university classes taught by Deaf, ASL-fluent instructors. I still encourage that first and foremost.

If you are currently a college student or have convenient access to this type of class, definitely take advantage of it. But, the reality for most of us is that even community college classes can be:

• expensive
• inconvenient (registration, parking, childcare)

So it’s understandable why many people who want to learn ASL have turned to online classes.

Learning ASL online is a great option for a lot of people

But finding the best classes online can be even harder. A general search of Google or on Youtube can feel overwhelming. Prospective students will not know what’s what, so I have compiled this handy-dandy list of places to learn ASL online that are thumb-up legit.

As you choose, keep in mind that the best way to learn ASL online is through a class that:

• is Deaf-led
• is taught silently (“ASL-immersion”)
• is a quality curriculum and teaching style
• gives you feedback
• gets you using the language with other people
• works for you, too (important!)

Check these out these online ASL courses!

ASL Champs

A Deaf-owned small business since 2016, part of ASL Champs’ mission is to keep quality ASL classes affordable and accessible to the community. Yes, I’m biased. But hey, we’re awesome.

What it’s good for:

• Beginner to intermediate level, structured curriculum
• Deaf-led, ASL-immersion
• Weekly live ASL classes via zoom offered in 8-week sessions, 5-6 times per year
• Ongoing interaction, practice, instructor feedback and support
• Excellent standalone class or as a supplement to high school or college courses.
• Affordable, one time class fee per class.
• Optional ASL practice library
• Nice perk: All course materials (weekly lessons, videos, e-notes and structured practice) are included for maximum study purposes and guided practice outside of class. Can also be used asynchronously as a self-paced, independent study course or refresher.

Limitations to know:

• Paid course (not free)
• No college credit

LifePrint (AKA “ASL University”)

The online pioneer Dr. Bill Vicars started offering his site to learn ASL in 1997 (!) as a way to reach parents of Deaf children in rural communities who otherwise did not have access to ASL classes. While it has no frills or dazzle, it’s a wonderful ASL resource.

What it’s good for:

• ASL reference, quick, reliable lookups and fingerspelling drills
• Access to the video database and lessons is free
• Deaf-led, ASL-immersion
• Historical student questions are posted and answered
• Beginner to intermediate level videos and database
• Structured ASL curriculum students can follow independently
• Great add on if you are already taking a live class for extra practice or quick sign references
• Paid course is also offered for university credit. 

Limitations to know:

• No instructor feedback or interactive practice

ASL Connect

This is the online course from Gallaudet University, the only liberal arts college for Deaf and hard of hearing students. ASL Connect is EXTREMELY well done. And, if furthering your studies in ASL in college is on your agenda, you’ll have this option.

What it’s good for:

• Deaf-led, ASL-immersion
• Beginner to advanced levels, structured curriculum
• Videos are polished with a sleek, modern feel
• Introductory videos are free
• Paid courses are essentially distance access to Gallaudet University’s curriculum – a premier ASL education
• Paid courses offer full college credit

Limitations to know:

• Introductory course is provided via self-paced videos–no interaction or feedback
• Paid courses fall into typical university tuition rates
• The paid courses are mostly self-paced, with some scheduled virtual ASL sessions built in. So you do get some interaction, but the bulk of learning takes place asynchronously.

Can You Learn ASL Through Apps?

The answer is yes and no–it’s complicated. I’m not a huge fan of apps for learning ASL simply because people can kinda cherry-pick their way through them and there’s no built-in real-life interaction while learning (unless you’ve got Deaf people already built into your life).

But, make no mistake, they can be a great way to get started, or use as ongoing references. So if you’re going to use them, here are my recommendations for the best Deaf-led ones:

The ASL app

ASL Bloom

Lingvano

The best ways to learn ASL online are well within your reach.

Like all languages, ASL needs to be used WITH OTHER PEOPLE – preferably, Deaf people whenever possible because, hello..

Just know if you are enrolled in a live, online or in-person class taught in a *silent* environment by a Deaf person who is fluent in ASL, you’re in good shape.

My goal here isn’t to replace those classes, just to offer a Deaf perspective on the best online curriculums that I recommend for adults.

One last thing: none of these recommendations are a standalone path to fluency. Learning ASL is a journey. Classes can lay a good foundation, but becoming a functional user of ASL takes TIME and PRACTICE.

Practice as in.. USING IT. Sign to us! Find out where your ASL community is (in person AND online) and keep practicing!

Cheers!

Up next: Looking for kids’ ASL classes? Check out the new KIDS’ list here!