I’ve been getting several questions lately about my various training offerings for library staff, so I thought I would write up an FAQ about the different offerings and how they complement one another.
How are eCourses and webinar series different?
My eCourses offered through ALA Editions (ASL for Library Staff, Levels 1 and 2; American Sign Language for Children in Storytime or the Classroom) are asynchronous, meaning that you work through the lessons on your own time and at your own pace. Each eCourse contains 6 lessons that will take you approximately 5-6 hours each to complete, for a total of 30 learning hours. Course material is presented through videos, readings, and quizzes. You have 12 weeks to complete each course. The Level 2 and ASL for Children in Storytime or the Classrooom courses also include video projects that allow you to get individualized feedback from the instructor on your signing. These eCourses address the big picture of serving Deaf patrons, discussing cultural mediation, accommodations, and other policy issues in addition to basic vocabulary.
Webinars and webinar series are conducted live online via Zoom, and all include access to the recording if you cannot attend live or want to review the material after the live session. Participants are encouraged (though not required) to share their video for a truly interactive experience and real-time feedback and assistance in learning the signs.
- The Hands Up! Live ASL Practice for Library Staff webinar series (Beginner, Intermediate, and Review levels) is designed to provide interactive practice and reinforcement of ASL vocabulary and grammatical structures relevant to the library setting, to help library staff gain confidence in their abilities to serve ASL users. These webinars focus on preparing library staff to provide direct service to Deaf patrons.
- Each Little Hands Signing Professional Development series webinar focuses on a specific storytime theme, allowing participants to register for the areas most relevant to their training needs.
Would the eCourses benefit me if I already took the webinar series?/Would the webinar series benefit me if I already took the eCourses?
The answer to both questions is yes! The eCourses and webinar series have been designed to complement one another and allow those who have taken either of them to expand their knowledge by moving to the other. The eCourses provide a broad overview of the topic, touching on multiple facets and introducing a wide range of vocabulary. The webinar series cover less material but in much greater depth, allowing for interactive practice to develop your confidence in signing in the library setting.
Which training should I take if…
…I am totally new to signing in the library and I want to better serve Deaf and hard of hearing patrons?
If you enjoy learning on your own and setting your own pace, start with ASL for Library Staff, Level 1 (eCourse). If you would prefer a more interactive, guided introduction, start with Hands Up!: Live ASL Practice for Library Staff (Beginners) (webinar series).
…I want to start using ASL vocabulary in my storytimes and I am totally new to the topic?
Start with American Sign Language for Storytime or the Classroom (eCourse) or the Little Hands Signing Professional Development series.
…I have taken one or two ASL classes in the community, but I am not familiar with vocabulary for the library setting?
If you enjoy learning on your own and setting your own pace, start with ASL for Library Staff, Level 1 (eCourse). If you would prefer a more interactive, guided introduction, start with Hands Up!: Live ASL Practice for Library Staff (Beginners) (webinar series).
…I can conduct a basic ASL conversation in the library setting (greeting a patron, discussing basic library locations and services, conducting a basic reference or circulation transaction), but I want to develop my skills more?
To expand your library ASL knowledge and explore ways to improve your library service to deaf and hard-of-hearing patrons, continue on to ASL for Library Staff, Level 2 (eCourse). If you want to focus on practicing and reinforcing your signing skills alone, take Hands Up!: Live ASL for Library Staff (Intermediate) (webinar series), which you can then follow with Hands Up!: Live ASL for Library Staff (Review series) (webinar series).
…I have completed the ASL for Library Staff eCourses, Levels 1 and 2, and I want to keep up my signing skills for the library setting?
Practice and reinforce your signing skills with Hands Up!: Live ASL for Library Staff (Intermediate) (webinar series) and/or Hands Up!: Live ASL for Library Staff (Review series) (webinar series).
…I have completed the Hands Up!: Live ASL Practice for Library Staff, Beginner and Intermediate series, and I want to continue growing my skills?
Practice and reinforce your signing skills with Hands Up!: Live ASL for Library Staff (Review series) (webinar series) or expand your knowledge of serving Deaf patrons with ASL for Library Staff, Level 1 (eCourse) and ASL for Library Staff, Level 2 (eCourse).
…I took the old Basic ASL for Library Staff eCourse, and I want to continue to grow my skills?
Depending on how long ago you took the course and how much you remember, you may wish the start with ASL for Library Staff, Level 1 (eCourse) OR get a refresher with interactive guided practice in Hands Up!: Live ASL for Library Staff (Beginners) (webinar series). If you feel you retained what you learned in the basic course, continue on to ASL for Library Staff, Level 2 (eCourse) or Hands Up!: Live ASL for Library Staff (Intermediate) (webinar series) or Hands Up!: Live ASL for Library Staff (Review series) (webinar series),
…I have completed the American Sign Language for Children in Storytime or the Classroom eCourse and I want to expand my vocabulary for storytime?
Take the Little Hands Signing Professional Development webinars (offered as standalone webinars and series). Each webinar is focused around a storytime theme to help you grow your ASL vocabulary in different areas.
…I have taken one or more Little Hands Signing Professional Development webinars and I want to deepen my understanding of signing with children in storytime?
Take the American Sign Language for Children in Storytime or the Classroom eCourse, or select others in the Little Hands Signing Professional Development webinars series. Each webinar is focused around a storytime theme to help you grow your ASL vocabulary in different areas.
Don’t see your particular situation on this list? Have other questions about these trainings? Contact me to find out the best fit for your learning needs!
Little Hands and Big Hands: Children and Adults Signing Together, second edition
Stories by Hand with Kathy MacMillan 