iChat / sign language video / songs

American Sign Language (ASL) is the official language of the Deaf community. Until recently, Deaf people had to use an operator, e-mail and text messages to communicate. Now, more and more deaf people are turning to webcams to use their natural laguage to communicate directly to friends and family.

Through numerous contacts, I have set up communication between my hearing sign language students and some deaf people as well as other ASL students at other schools. Using Apple's ichat software, we can communicate with each other, with other Deaf students and other ASL students around the counrty.

My level 3 students also write, produce, act, film, edit and burn 8-10 sign language videos to further develop their language skills in this course. Apple laptops and Flip video cameras are crucial to the success of these projects.

Every student at every level also perform somgs that are translated into ASL. The students pick a song, I help them with the translation and then they perform the songs in front of their peers. MP3 players help with the practice process.