MTSU opens registration for fun, interactive online American Sign Language courses

Start the new year by learning a new language through the fun and hands-on virtual American Sign Language course offered by MTSU beginning in January.

MTSU’s Center for Accelerated Language Acquisition has opened registration for two six-week courses, ASL Part 1 and 2, for 2023. Participants will get an introduction to ASL in the first course and continue to practice and personalize skills in the second session.

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)

ASL Part 1 will be held via Zoom from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. each Wednesday from Jan. 25 through March 1, with Part 2 following at the same time and day from March 15 through April 19.

“I appreciate being able to attend classes online,” said Amanda, a developmental therapist. “The platform is really easy to use. I … would love the ability to continue further classes (online).”

Added Brianna, an environmental health and safety specialist: “It has been great to have the ASL course (as) an online class. I have been able to enjoy interacting and practicing with my classmates, engage and play games, and do all of this conveniently at home. The class itself is so much fun, and the fact that it can be done virtually makes it even easier to accommodate into my schedule. No excuses not to learn!”

Instructor Haley Jensen leads the classes through games and other hands-on activities dealing with greetings, numbers, colors, body parts, the alphabet and elements of basic, everyday conversation.

“We must cap the class at 30 participants,” said Brian Roberts, associate director of CALA. “It usually fills up quickly, and this will be our only offering this season. So you’re encouraged to register as soon as possible.”

The fees for each six-week session are $130 for the community, $115 for MTSU faculty, staff and alumni, and $100 for MTSU and high school students.

To register, go to https://bit.ly/ASLsp23 or visit the CALA website at www.mtsu.edu/cala and click the appropriate link.

For more information, contact Roberts at brian.roberts@mtsu.edu or acceleratedacquisition@gmail.com or 615-898-5757.

— Jimmy Hart (Jimmy.Hart@mtsu.edu)