Learn Sign Language Online
Learn sign language online with a clear beginner path
There are many ways to learn American Sign Language online: free videos, an ASL dictionary, mobile app practice, structured paid courses, and live classes. The best choice depends on who is learning and how much structure they need.
Choose online ASL by learner, goal, and support need
Online ASL can mean free app practice, dictionaries, printables, structured courses, live classes, homeschool credit, or parent support. The best choice depends on who is learning and why.
- Reviewed by the ASL Kids editorial team on August 15, 2026.
- Start free for beginner signs and routines; choose a structured course when you need sequence, feedback, grammar, culture, school documentation, or certificates.
- Course links may be affiliate links, but the page should help visitors compare options before enrolling.
Affiliate disclosure: This page may include affiliate links. If you buy through these links, ASL Kids may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. We recommend starting with free practice first, then choosing a paid course only if you want more structure.
Choose the best way to learn ASL online
Start free when you need first signs, app practice, or a simple family routine. Move into a course when the learner needs lessons in order, grammar, Deaf-culture context, review, or school documentation.
Kids and families starting from zero
Use short videos, beginner signs, printables, and a daily routine before choosing a paid course.
Parents learning for a deaf child
Focus on family communication, consistent signs at home, and an adult course path that supports your child.
Elementary, older kids, middle school, and homeschool learners
Compare K-5 readiness, age fit, lesson sequence, workbook support, credit questions, and practice between course lessons.
Adults, teachers, ASL 1, and certificates
Use the course comparison pages when you need adult pacing, ASL 1 structure, certificates, or a more formal path.
Best ways to learn ASL online
ASL Kids app
Best for short, repeatable practice with children. Use kid-friendly videos, fingerspelling, quizzes, and easy signs on a phone or tablet.
ASL dictionary
Best when you want to look up one sign quickly. Use the dictionary for words, then practice the same signs during real routines.
Online ASL course
Best when you want lessons in order, Deaf-culture context, practice assignments, and a more complete learning path.
Choose the right online path
| If you are… | Start here | Best next step |
|---|---|---|
| A parent of a baby or toddler | Baby Sign Language First 25 Signs | Use routine signs daily, then add the ASL Kids app for video examples. |
| A family learning with kids | ASL Kids app | Practice 5 to 10 signs per week and use the dictionary for new words. |
| A teacher or homeschool parent | Preschool ASL activities | Add classroom signs, alphabet practice, posters, and short video practice. |
| An older child, teen, or adult beginner | ASL dictionary and free lessons | Consider a structured course if you want grammar, Deaf culture, and assignments. |
| Learning for school, work, or deeper fluency | A formal ASL course | Compare self-paced courses, live classes, and university-credit options. |
Free online ASL resources worth using
ASL Kids resources
Start with kid-friendly videos, the dictionary, alphabet, numbers, baby signs, and classroom activities.
Gallaudet ASL Connect
Gallaudet offers ASL learning resources and online course pathways from a Deaf-centered university.
Lifeprint / ASL University
Lifeprint has a large free ASL lesson library and dictionary-style resources for independent learners.
Important: ASL is not English on the hands. It has its own grammar, facial expression, movement, and Deaf-culture context. Online videos and apps are helpful, but real interaction with fluent signers and Deaf-led instruction is valuable if your goal is deeper communication.
A simple 4-week starter plan
First useful signs
Learn more, eat, drink, help, all done, please, thank you, mom, dad, yes, and no.
Alphabet and names
Practice the ASL alphabet, fingerspelling names, and recognizing common letter handshapes.
Topics and routines
Add family, food, animals, colors, feelings, classroom signs, or baby routines.
Short phrases
Practice short phrases and questions, then decide whether a structured course would help.
Use signs in real life
Use a few signs every day instead of trying to memorize a long list all at once.
Add a course
Choose a self-paced course, live class, or university option if you need more structure. Older kids can use a kid-focused course; parents, teens, and teachers may prefer an adult beginner course.
Free ASL Kids paths to use with online lessons
Online lessons work better when you also practice signs in real routines. Use these free ASL Kids resources between videos or course lessons:
- Start Learning ASL for one beginner roadmap through the app, dictionary, printables, games, and lesson plans.
- First 50 ASL Signs for Kids for a practical starter vocabulary list.
- ASL Signs by Routine for meals, bedtime, school, play, feelings, and transitions.
- ASL Games for Kids for short review activities at home or in class.
- ASL Lesson Plans for Kids and Free ASL Printables for weekly practice structure.
Ready for an online ASL course?
Use the free ASL Kids app and printables for daily practice. When a learner needs lessons in order, grammar, Deaf-culture context, review, and a steadier routine, compare the course paths next.
- Kids course path for older children and homeschool learners.
- Adult course path for parents, caregivers, teachers, teens, and beginners.
- Free ASL Kids resources still support practice between course lessons.
Affiliate disclosure: Course buttons may be affiliate links. ASL Kids may earn a commission if you enroll, at no extra cost to you.
FAQ
Can you learn sign language online?
Yes, online resources can help you learn beginner signs, fingerspelling, vocabulary, and practice routines. To build stronger ASL skills, combine online learning with real signing practice, Deaf-led resources, and feedback from fluent signers when possible.
What is the best way for kids to learn ASL online?
Kids usually do best with short video practice, repeated daily signs, games, and real-life use. Start with the ASL Kids app, then add the dictionary, alphabet, baby signs, classroom activities, or a structured course for older children.
Are free ASL lessons enough?
Free lessons are a good starting point. A structured paid course can help when you need order, assignments, grammar explanations, Deaf-culture context, certificates, or a more complete path.
How long does it take to learn ASL?
You can learn useful signs quickly, but ASL fluency takes consistent practice over time. Like any language, progress depends on frequency, feedback, interaction, and the depth of your goals.
Need a better screen for ASL practice?
A tablet, case, and hands-free stand can make sign videos, captions, video calls, and daily app practice easier for kids and families. See the tablet setup guide for ASL learning.
Choosing your first ASL course?
Use the ASL Course for Beginners guide to decide between a free start, a kids course, an adult beginner course, app practice, and a homeschool-friendly routine.
Need an ASL certificate, CEU, or credit path?
Use the ASL Course with Certificate guide to understand the difference between a completion certificate, CEUs, school credit, and interpreter certification before choosing a paid course.
Are you the adult learning ASL?
Use the ASL Course for Adults guide to choose a structured adult path for parents, teachers, caregivers, teens, and beginners, then pair lessons with ASL Kids app practice.
Choosing a course for a teen?
Use the ASL Course for Teens guide to decide whether your learner fits the kids course, adult beginner course, high-school-credit path, or free app practice first.
Considering SignLanguage101?
Read the SignLanguage101 review to see when it fits kids, teens, parents, teachers, and adult beginners, and when a free app path, live feedback, or credit-focused course is a better choice.
Looking for an ASL 1 course?
Use the ASL 1 Course Online guide to choose between a free app start, a self-paced kids or adult course, a high-school-credit path, or a guided course with feedback.
Comparing ASL apps?
Use the Best ASL Apps for Kids and Beginners guide to choose between ASL Kids, dictionary apps, structured lesson apps, baby-sign video libraries, and course paths.
Supporting a deaf or hard-of-hearing child?
Use the ASL for Parents of Deaf Children guide to start a family ASL path with first signs, app practice, parent course options, and trusted support resources.
Print the 30-day family ASL plan
Use the free printable to choose first signs, build a daily ASL habit, share signs with caregivers, and support a deaf or hard-of-hearing child at home.
Comparing SignLanguage101 and Start ASL?
Use the SignLanguage101 vs Start ASL comparison before choosing between a lower-friction self-paced course, a guided-feedback course, an app-first route, or a formal credit path.
Need a simple ASL lesson sequence?
The ASL Lessons for Kids hub turns app videos, first signs, printables, games, and course paths into a practical beginner lesson order for families, teachers, homeschoolers, and children.
Choosing an ASL class for a child?
The ASL Classes for Kids guide compares app-first practice, free resources, live online classes, local options, kids courses, parent courses, and homeschool paths.
Need a structured ASL course path for your family?
The ASL Course for Families guide compares parent courses, kids courses, free family ASL supports, app practice, and printable routines.
Considering SignLanguage101 for a child?
The SignLanguage101 for Kids review explains when the kids course fits older children, teens, and homeschool learners, and when app-first or family ASL support is the better first step.
Planning ASL for homeschool?
Use the Homeschool ASL Course guide to choose between app-first practice, a kids course, a parent course, credit planning, printables, and a weekly curriculum plan.
Planning ASL for a middle schooler?
The ASL Course for Middle School guide helps families choose between app-first practice, a kids course, a parent-led course, homeschool records, and high-school-credit planning.
Teaching ASL to an elementary student?
The ASL Course for Elementary Students guide helps families choose between app-first practice, weekly lessons, printables, curriculum, a kids course, and parent support.
Teaching ASL to preschoolers?
The ASL Course for Preschoolers guide helps parents and teachers choose an app-first routine path, preschool curriculum, adult course support, printables, and classroom materials without pushing a formal child course too early.
Need ASL to count for high school credit?
Use the ASL Course for High School Credit guide to choose between homeschool records, school approval, certificates, and formal credit before buying a course.