Using Computer-Assisted Language Learning in an American Sign Language course

Abstract

Currently, there is a trend at educational institutions around the country to utilize technology in online or web-enhanced instruction. While there is a need to explore the effects of technology incorporated into courses for second language acquisition (SLA), faculty have yet to utilize the full potential of technology resources and integrate them into American Sign Language (ASL) courses and learning laboratories. Technology has the potential to connect new language learners to remote language experts using language laboratories. Further exploration and development of ASL computer-assisted language learning (CALL) and the use of non-traditional camera angles is needed. For this pilot study, three technology tools were provided to assist hearing students. While findings of this research indicate that the use of CALL did not produce a statistically significant impact on the exam scores of students in the experimental group, multimedia tools were developed that have not been previously utilized in ASL instruction.