American Sign Language Microcredentials
Microcredentials
Learn the fundamentals of ASL through Lakeland College's suite of online microcredential courses.
There are four courses available:
- Learn ASL 1
- Learn ASL 2
- Learn ASL 3
- Learn ASL 4
These courses are designed to build upon each other as you grow in the following skills:
- Producing conversational American Sign Language
- Demonstrating receptive skills in American Sign Language
- Summarizing the historical, social and cultural aspects of Deaf people and their communities
- Demonstrating appropriate cultural behaviors
- Developing strategies for making appropriate cultural communication adjustments to foster successful interactions
You can also bundle your courses and earn credit in Lakeland College's American Sign Language and Deaf Culture Studies program. For example, students who complete the ASL 1 and ASL 2 microcredential courses will have the course substitution for the ASL 101 course in the ASL and Deaf Cultures Studies certificate.
Online format
Online learning has advantages, especially if you are "learning while earning" or are simply too far away to commute to training. Each course follows an asynchronous model, meaning you can complete it at times that work for you.
You'll read through online material and watch video clips to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in progress checks on comprehension and fluency. You may complete each online course in as little as 7 weeks or progress through each course's material over 12 weeks.
If you are thinking about online learning with Lakeland College, here's what we expect from you. To:
- have access to a computer and high speed internet
- have a supported browser and browser tools
- have computer and web skills in order to do course work
- read and write in English as all of our courses are conducted in English
- be prepared to submit course work within the timelines provided
Most Lakeland College online courses will use Lakeland's learning management system, Desire2Learn or Microsoft Teams.
You aren't limited to a particular type of computer or smart device. But, you do have to have particular browsers and other software.
Most web platforms require:
- up-to-date web browsers including Chrome, Edge and Mozilla Firefox
- enabled cookies
- enabled JavaScript
If you aren't sure what any of those requirements are, do a quick systems check on the D2L page. It will tell you if your computer is set up properly.
Is Learn ASL 1 the same as ASL 101?
No. By successfully completing Learn ASL 1 and Learn ASL 2, you will then be eligible to substitute for ASL 101 in the American Sign Language and Deaf Cultures studies certificate.
Can I take ASL 101 instead of Learn ASL 1 and Learn ASL 2?
Yes, we offer continuing education courses for ASL 101 and ASL 102. These two courses are offered during the regular academic year, have designated class times and offer live instruction. Upon successful completion of either course, students will receive credit.
How are the microcredential courses different than continuing education courses?
Our microcredentials have continual enrolment opportunities, are self-paced and can be completed 100% virtually. They also offer laddering for credit options if multiple microcredentials are completed.