Question:
How can I take an online ASL 1 or 2 course that carries ACTUAL college
credit from a regionally accredited college or university?
Answer: The College of
Continuing Education at California
State University Sacramento has for many years offered an online ASL 1
course Fall Semester and an online ASL 2 course Spring semester.
The level one course is: "EDS 051 American Sign Language 1"
The level two course is: "EDS 052 American Sign Language 2"
The online versions of these two courses are
not
usually listed in the main CSUS catalog. Instead they are usually
listed at the CSUS College of Continuing Education's website. The
general website is at:
http://www.cce.csus.edu/
At the time of this writing, the specific page was at:
http://www.cce.csus.edu/catalog/course_detail.asp?master_id=4815&course_area=EDS&course_number=051&course_subtitle=00&group_number=277
When you go to that page you will probably see a
message that states:
"This course is not currently offered. Please check back soon or call
916-278-4433 for information on future offerings."
Remember that doesn't mean the course isn't
offered, it just means it hasn't been posted to the schedule yet. Just call
the College of Continuing Education (916-278-4433 or (916) 278-6984) and let
them know that you want to take "EDS 51" (ASL 1) online through the College
of Continuing Education in the Fall or "EDS 52" (ASL 2) online in the
Spring. Ask them for registration information, tuition information,
and payment information.
Question: Who teaches these two online courses?
Answer: While individual teachers may vary you can be assured that
whomever teaches it will be a qualified ASL instructor.
For quite a few
years now these two courses have been taught by Belinda Vicars. She is
Deaf, holds a masters degree, and has over 20 years experience teaching ASL.
Question: How much does each course cost?
Answer: It is best to call
call 916-278-4433 or (916) 278-6984 to find out the most recent pricing
information. Call them regarding ANY tuition or registration related
questions. Also, the most recent contact information for the CCE
program coordinator over this program was: cceeducationprograms@csus.edu
or call (916) 278-4813.
Question: How does the course work? What about the curriculum? Do I
have to attend any classes?
Answer: The instructor for several years now has used the
Lifeprint.com curriculum as well as her own materials (at
www.BelindaVicars.com)
and the Blackboard (WebCT) system. Classroom attendance is not required and the
whole course can be completed online. Students must have access to video
recording equipment such as a webcam or video recorder. You study the lessons online and
you take quizzes online. Near completion of the course you must take a
receptive final exam with an approved proctor watching (to make sure you do
not cheat). Your instructor will provide guidelines to help you locate a suitable proctor.
Question:
Before registering, can I contact
the instructor and ask questions or get a copy of the syllabus ahead of
time?
Answer: Yes you can contact the instructor. Please keep in mind that it is
very important to identify who you are and what program or course you are
interested in or
referring to. For example, use a subject line such as: Mary
Smith, question about CSUS CCE ASL 1 (online).
By stating "CSUS CCE" you will help Belinda to know that you are talking
about the CSUS college course and not the ASLU private course.
Her email is: BelindaGVicars@aol.com
Question: Can I start the course at any
time?
Answer: No. The ASL 1 course (EDS 51, section 50 through CSUS's
College of Continuing Education) is offered in the Fall (it typically starts
around the second week of September). The level 2
course is offered in the Spring.
Question: The CSUS CCE web page says that the course is not
currently offered. Has it been canceled?
Answer: What that usually means is that the time of year is not close
enough to Fall or Spring semester for the college to post the
course. Call the CSUS College of Continuing Education directly
(916) 278-4433 and ask to speak to the person who coordinates the
American Sign Language classes. (As of this writing the
coordinator was
Emily Ballesteros, but that is subject to change.)