Student Perceptions of Mobile Video Recording to Learn American Sign Language

Abstract

This article reports an exploratory study of teacher candidate perception of learning, using video recording in an American Sign Language (ASL) class. Video recording for practice and reflection is relevant to learning ASL, a visual language. One advantage of recording video for learning ASL with mobile devices instead of computers is the larger physical space that can be captured. Thirteen teacher candidates in a graduate program participated, by completing three surveys regarding their experiences with mobile app assignments designed for practicing expressive skills using specific ASL grammatical features. Results showed that 10 out of 12 teacher candidates found app assignments helpful in assessing their own sign skills, and 11 out of 12 found them helpful in clarifying ASL concepts. Nine out of 12 teacher candidates reported increased interest in learning ASL, and 11 out of 13 teacher candidates indicated that their ASL improved due to use of the app.