It’s a sign of the times. American Sign Language classes are slated to begin Jan. 27, 2021, via teleconference.

The Center for Accelerated Language Acquisition at MTSU is offering two six-week sessions for learning how to communicate with the deaf and hard of hearing with one’s hands.

Instructor Haley Jensen, top left, and, clockwise from left, Stacie Lowry, Sarah Pruitt, Sarah Seago, and Joshua Jensen display their American Sign Language skills via video conferencing. (Photo submitted)

CALA’s first session is scheduled for 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. Wednesdays from Jan. 27 through March 3. The second session also is set for 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. Wednesdays from March 17 through April 21.

Classes include games and other fun, hands-on activities dealing with greetings, numbers, colors, body parts, the alphabet and elements of basic, everyday conversation.

“I appreciate being able to attend classes online,” said Amanda T., a developmental therapist who has taken the ASL course. “The platform is really easy to use and I enjoy the ‘cocktail’ time to practice conversational ASL.”

With each session to be capped at 30 participants, early registration is a must. Fees are $130 for the general public; $115 for MTSU faculty, staff and alumni; and $100 for MTSU and high school students.

For more information, contact Brian Roberts, assistant director of CALA, at brian.roberts@mtsu.edu or acceleratedacquisition@mtsu.edu or 615-898-5757.

— Gina K. Logue (gina.logue@mtsu.edu)