Tip #1: What to expect in the classroom?
ASL is a visual language, a new modality skill for you to learn, which is visual and using your hands to communicate. Therefore, it would be helpful if we keep our voice box outside of the classroom. It is respectful when using ASL in the front of a Deaf person. You will be learning one Unit every 2-3 weeks. We will be doing interactive workbook, lab assignments, discussion board and unit quizzes along with video projects.
Tip #2: What to expect outside of the classroom?
Time: The expectation for all of your classes is that you will work for two hours outside of class for every hour spent in class. This out-of-class work can be studying, reading, practicing, going to tutoring or student hours or doing homework assignments, depending on the requirements of the class. To help you manage this workload, you should use a calendar to track your responsibilities (class, work and home). I can also help you plan a schedule to maximize the time you have, especially if you are very busy with work or family responsibilities.
Since this class is hybrid; you will be watching all the lectures online (canvas) and we will be reviewing and practicing signing in the classroom.
The Lab assignment is separate from studying outside of the class. We will have approximately an hour of Lab work weekly.
Tip #3: What if I missed assignments?
It is with a purpose that every assignment has a due date so that we can progress with the learning goals that have been set for you and your classmates. I am aware that life can throw us off our path, and I am supportive of finding ways to get back on track to success. While I encourage you to be mindful of the due dates of your assignments, especially the discussion boards, to ensure we can move through the course, assignments need to be submitted within 2 weeks after the due dates to receive full credit. After 2 weeks, no credits will be given. However, be mindful of the fact that language cannot be learned in a week or two.
You are welcome to contact me by email or visit me during my office hours to discuss any possible late submissions.
Tip #4: What is student's responsibility?
*Accessing Canvas at least 5 times per week
*Viewing the required pages (lectures and forth)
*Constructively and actively participating in our online community
*Contributing to the Discussions Board for every chapter
Your personal goal is to be accountable for the following: (a) how much you participate, (b) the quality and timeliness of your responses, (c) your contributions to the overall development of our online community and (d) your effort to use only the ASL that you have learned in class to the best of your ability. Please note that the purpose of working online is to improve your command of the ASL language. Topics have been carefully chosen to allow you to use the vocabulary and constructions presented in each chapter of the textbook. Therefore, please avoid having another person to write your postings and/or sign behind the camera to you. You must study, rather than try to get by using ASL you picked up in an informal setting. Should extenuating circumstances make you become inactive on Canvas or if an emergency should arise, please contact me as soon as possible to discuss your options and help you with the next steps.
Tip #5: When are the assignments due?
All assignments are due on Sundays at 11:59 PM. This consistency in due dates will make it easier for us to stay on track.
Tip #6: What is Academic Integrity?
Plagiarism is a form of cheating. You need to ensure your work is original and that when you use someone else’s work, you cite it appropriately and provide a reference page (APA format, please). If you are suspected of plagiarism, you must present evidence proving that the work is yours. According to RCC’s stance on plagiarism, it is considered academic dishonesty. If you are unsure about the difference between sharing and plagiarism, please ask for clarification. The district’s board of trustees has policies governing academic integrity and states in their regulation document, “In any confirmed case of academic dishonesty or plagiarism, you will be automatically reported to the board and receive a failing grade."
During the closed-book quizzes, you should not use Google/AI to find answers. This is considered plagiarism and cheating.
Tip #7: Where Can I learn more ASL or Deaf Culture on my own?
That is awesome that you want to learn ASL on your own! Social Media has a lot of ASL videos where you can learn; however, maybe 90% of them aren't authentic signers. I would highly recommend for you to find Deaf signers like: ASLizezd, itscharmay,The ASL Lab, The ASL Signbank and/or The ASL Shop, to name a few. If you are not sure, I welcome you to check with me and I will give you an honest opinion.
Tip #8: I learned the sign differently.
Yes, you may learn different signs from another person. It is OK, doesn't mean the person taught you wrong... It may because it is from different regions (from another city/state). Language evolves, some signs are "old" and/or "new". It is important to keep our mind open for "new" signs that we learn in class. We will do our best to learn different signs. Dyan will demonstrate variation of signs.
What are the important dates I need to know?
*Holidays, no school:
-Monday, September 2nd
-Monday, November 11
-November 25-30 (fall break)
*Drop with a Refund:
-August 30
*Last day to drop without a “W”:
-September 2nd
*Last day to drop with a “W”:
-November 8th
(wall in Berlin designed by Christine Sun Kim. See full quote below)
"If sign language was considered equal, we'd already be friends"
-Christine Sun Kim