Exploring the Sign ASL App: A Pocket Dictionary 

This week, I explored another app called Sign ASL. The app described itself as a “pocket dictionary” for use while on the go, and I was excited to give it a try. As I get closer to completing my education degree, I’ve become more interested in learning how to sign various “school subjects.” My goal is to be able to use sign language in the classroom to help with transitions and communication. So, let’s dive into my review of this app and see if it lives up to my expectations. 

What I Liked About Sign ASL

1. Convenience for On-the-Go Use One of the things I loved about Sign ASL is its, portable. It’s great for when you need to quickly find a sign you can’t quite remember (which in my learning journey has happened to me). If you are out and about and need a sign a “pocket dictionary” could be just the thing you are looking for.
2. Easy Navigation The app is user friendly. Searching for signs is straightforward, and you can quickly find what you need. The layout is organized, making it easy for beginners to navigate.
3. Popular Signs Section Sign ASL has a section dedicated to “popular signs” these are the ones you’d use every day, like “with,” “what,” and “thank you.” This feature is perfect for getting you started with the basics.
4. Favourites Feature I really appreciated the ability to favourite signs. This means I can save the ones I use most often, making it easy to access them whenever I need them. It’s a small touch that makes the app feel more welcoming.
5. Multiple Video Options The app provides a variety of videos to show you how to sign each word. Whether you’re a visual learner or just want to see multiple examples of how a sign is done, this feature is available (lucky for me I am a visual learner and like multiple examples- a real win-win if you ask me).
6. Free Access And did I mention it’s free? For anyone looking to get started with ASL without making a financial commitment, this is a great resource (especially as a university student paying student loans).

What I Didn’t Like About Sign ASL

1. Lack of Games  While Sign ASL is fun as a dictionary tool, it doesn’t offer any games or other activities. There are plenty of other apps that include fun, interactive ways to learn and practice signs, so if you’re looking for something more engaging, you might want to look elsewhere. **here’s a good idea for you.. check out some of my other posts 😉
2. No Option to Slow Down or Rewind Videos This was a bit of a challenge for me, especially as a beginner. It can be tough to keep up with the pace of the videos, and not being able to pause, slow down, or rewind makes it harder to follow along when you’re just starting out.
3. Too Many Sign Variations I like the fact that the app offers multiple video options to demonstrate how to sign each word, this can actually be a bit overwhelming at times. There are often several variations of the same sign, and it’s not always clear which one you should be using or when. This can get confusing, especially for beginners who are still figuring out the basics of ASL. It would be helpful if the app provided some guidance on which variation is most commonly used in certain contexts. 

My Progress So Far!

Here’s a little glimpse of my progress so far with the app! I’ve been using it to learn some basic signs and phrases, focusing on “school” vocabulary that will help me in a classroom setting. It’s been a helpful tool to supplement my learning, but I’m excited to continue improving and mastering more signs.

Conclusion

Sign ASL is a solid option if you’re looking for a straightforward dictionary app for ASL. It’s easy to use, has a helpful “favourites” feature, and is a great resource for anyone who needs quick access to signs on the go. However, if you’re looking for an app with games or interactive elements to make learning more engaging, there are other options out there that might suit your needs better.  If you’re a beginner and need the ability to pause or slow down videos, this app might not be the best fit.

In the end, if all you need is a simple, portable dictionary to glance at quickly, Sign ASL could be just what you’re looking for.