Tips on How to Optimize Your ASL Online Classes

Did you know that an estimated 6.3 million students in the United States are now enrolled in at least one online course? Moreover, that figure is increasing because learning American Sign Language courses online and other disciplines is flexible and highly beneficial. More sign language students prefer online classes over traditional classroom training.

But how do you optimize your online classes? Finding an answer to this question is critical because online studies differ from conventional ones. Thus, not taking proper precautions could short-change you. Read this post to learn how you can harvest the best from your online sign language course.

1. Redefine Your View of Reality

People still have this notion that anything online is not “real.” They base their definition on materiality that requires them to handle, see, or hear things before qualifying them as genuine. If you still believe that, it’s critical to discard that position and appreciate that reality isn’t limited to physicality.

Therefore, consider your American sign language courses online  to be just as natural as the physical ones. Give them the same attention and seriousness you would if you had a teacher physically before you. Always “attend” your online classes on time the same way you do conventional ones. This way, you will reap the most out of your course.

2. Be an Active Participant

Participating in your course’s online forum helps you understand your course’s contents better. You interact with your classmates and see how they are doing. Also, active participation lets you see how your instructors respond to your classmates. This way, you are better placed to ask the right questions and get clarity. You will also be better positioned to speak out if you feel you are lagging behind your classmates.

3. Manage Your Time Well

You also need to manage your time well to maximize your online courses. Proper time management allows you to squeeze the best out of your classes. Remember, your freedom to create your own schedule could still become your leading impediment if you aren’t careful. You can manage your time better by:

  • Looking at your syllabus and noting down your primary assignments to mark them on your calendar.
  • Factoring in all possible personal or social commitments that could interfere with your study plan.
  • Creating a weekly schedule that you can follow by designating a given amount of hours to study, watch lectures, participate in online discussion groups, and complete your assignments.
  • Setting reminders to help you accomplish your various academic tasks.

4. Subdue Distractions

Distractions can easily degenerate into destructions unless you subdue them. An average online student should be able to battle distractions from many online and offline sources. Offline, you should learn to stay away from your mobile phone distractions. You must also consider how to manage human distractions.

Keep off the most tempting wing of the internet – social networks, while online. Put measures in place to avoid all these temptations. If you love music, don’t give in to music streaming sites that could kill your focus.

5. Have a Stable Internet Connection 

You need a stable Internet connection to get the most from your online sign language studies. Tech mishaps can also happen anytime; thus, you require a backup ISP to help you navigate your course if one ISP disappoints you. Never rely on only one ISP, no matter how efficient its company claims it to be. Always prepare for the worse, even as you expect the best.

6. Understand Online Learning Practices and Expectations

Lastly, understand the learning practices and expectations imposed upon you. You must understand that taking ASL online courses doesn’t make them easier than they would be if you took them offline. The internet only makes it easier for you to access them, that’s all. Thus, you shouldn’t lower your guard and assume that you will have a walkover.

Dedicate your time to study and attend your classes. You have to commit yourself to the learning process and focus whenever the tutors are presenting their lectures. Also, be aware of the following expectations of your lecturers from you:

  • Total personal commitment to and participation in all online classes as needed.
  • Your willingness to embrace and leverage technology.
  • The ability to collaborate with your online classmates.
  • Do and finish all your homework and assignments on time.
  • Self-discipline.

With the above suggestions at your fingertips and in practice, you should be better placed to reap maximum dividends from your online sign language course. Apply them in real life to see the difference.