Sign Language 101 has long been a popular resource for those looking to learn American Sign Language (ASL). The online course offers a comprehensive curriculum and interactive lessons designed to teach ASL effectively. However, as technology continues to evolve, there are several alternative resources available that offer unique functionalities and cater to specific needs. In this article, we will explore the 10 best Sign Language 101 alternatives and competitors in 2024.

1. ASL University

ASL University is a free online resource developed by Dr. Bill Vicars, a renowned ASL instructor with over 25 years of experience. The website offers a comprehensive curriculum with video lessons, quizzes, and interactive activities designed to teach ASL effectively. ASL University also provides a wealth of resources, including a dictionary, grammar guide, and cultural notes, making it an excellent alternative to Sign Language 101.

Advantages:

Reading more:

  • Free online resource.
  • Comprehensive curriculum with video lessons and quizzes.
  • Wealth of additional resources.

Disadvantages:

  • No certification or accreditation offered.

2. Start ASL

Start ASL is an online course designed for beginners and intermediate learners to learn American Sign Language. The course provides a comprehensive curriculum with video lessons, quizzes, and interactive activities. Start ASL also offers certification upon completion of the course, making it a strong competitor to Sign Language 101.

Advantages:

  • Comprehensive curriculum with video lessons and quizzes.
  • Certification offered upon completion.
  • Suitable for both beginners and intermediate learners.

Disadvantages:

  • Paid course.

3. Lifeprint

Lifeprint is an online resource developed by Dr. Bill Vicars that offers a comprehensive ASL curriculum. The website provides free video lessons, quizzes, and interactive activities designed to teach ASL effectively. Lifeprint also offers an ASL dictionary, grammar guide, and cultural notes, making it a strong alternative to Sign Language 101.

Advantages:

  • Free online resource.
  • Comprehensive curriculum with video lessons and quizzes.
  • Additional resources available.

Disadvantages:

  • No certification or accreditation offered.

4. SignSchool

SignSchool is an online course designed to teach American Sign Language through interactive video lessons and quizzes. The course provides a comprehensive curriculum for beginners and intermediate learners. SignSchool also offers certification upon completion of the course, making it a strong competitor to Sign Language 101.

Advantages:

  • Interactive video lessons and quizzes.
  • Certification offered upon completion.
  • Suitable for both beginners and intermediate learners.

Disadvantages:

Reading more:

  • Paid course.

5. Signing Savvy

Signing Savvy is an online sign language resource that offers a dictionary of over 17,000 ASL signs, as well as video lessons, quizzes, and interactive activities. The website also offers a mobile app, making it a convenient option for learning on-the-go. Signing Savvy's extensive dictionary and additional resources make it a strong alternative to Sign Language 101.

Advantages:

  • Extensive ASL dictionary.
  • Video lessons, quizzes, and interactive activities.
  • Mobile app available.

Disadvantages:

  • Paid subscription required for full access.

6. Rocket Sign Language

Rocket Sign Language is an online course designed to teach American Sign Language through interactive video lessons and quizzes. The course offers a comprehensive curriculum for beginners and intermediate learners. Rocket Sign Language also provides certification upon completion of the course, making it a strong competitor to Sign Language 101.

Advantages:

  • Interactive video lessons and quizzes.
  • Certification offered upon completion.
  • Suitable for both beginners and intermediate learners.

Disadvantages:

  • Paid course.

7. Handspeak

Handspeak is an online sign language resource that offers a vast dictionary of ASL signs, as well as video lessons and interactive activities. The website also provides cultural notes and information about Deaf culture, making it a valuable resource for those interested in learning more about ASL and Deaf culture. Handspeak's extensive dictionary and cultural resources make it an excellent alternative to Sign Language 101.

Advantages:

  • Vast dictionary of ASL signs.
  • Video lessons and interactive activities.
  • Cultural notes and information.

Disadvantages:

  • No certification or accreditation offered.

8. Udemy ASL Courses

Udemy is an online course platform that offers a variety of American Sign Language courses taught by different instructors. The courses provide video lessons, quizzes, and interactive activities designed to teach ASL effectively. Udemy ASL courses also offer certification upon completion, making it a strong competitor to Sign Language 101.

Reading more:

Advantages:

  • Variety of ASL courses available.
  • Video lessons, quizzes, and interactive activities.
  • Certification offered upon completion.

Disadvantages:

  • Course quality may vary depending on the instructor.

9. Gallaudet University Online ASL Courses

Gallaudet University is a renowned institution for Deaf and hard-of-hearing students, and they offer online ASL courses for both credit and non-credit learners. The courses provide a comprehensive curriculum with video lessons, quizzes, and interactive activities. Gallaudet University's reputation and accreditation make it a strong alternative to Sign Language 101.

Advantages:

  • Reputation as a leading institution for Deaf education.
  • Accreditation and certification offered.
  • Comprehensive curriculum with video lessons, quizzes, and interactive activities.

Disadvantages:

  • Higher price point compared to other alternatives.

10. Sign Language Pro

Sign Language Pro is an online course designed to teach American Sign Language through interactive video lessons and quizzes. The course offers a comprehensive curriculum for beginners and intermediate learners. Sign Language Pro also provides certification upon completion of the course, making it a strong competitor to Sign Language 101.

Advantages:

  • Interactive video lessons and quizzes.
  • Certification offered upon completion.
  • Suitable for both beginners and intermediate learners.

Disadvantages:

  • Paid course.

In conclusion, while Sign Language 101 remains a popular resource for learning American Sign Language, there are several alternative resources available in 2024 that offer unique features and cater to specific needs. Consider factors such as cost, accreditation, certification, course quality, and additional resources when choosing the best alternative that aligns with your preferences and requirements. Whether you are a beginner or intermediate learner, these alternatives provide a diverse range of options to suit your ASL learning needs.