American Sign Language II

Course Description

This course is an introduction to the basic skills in developing production and comprehension skills in American Sign Language (ASL).  Students will learn ASL vocabulary, structure, and grammar.  Course content also includes the manual alphabet and numbers. Students will develop basic conversational abilities, culturally appropriate behaviors, and learn about the culture and history of Deaf communities. 

Assistance

If you have course related questions such as questions about due dates, assignment directions, lesson material, etc. please contact your instructor immediately via Canvas message (if courses have started) or via direct email (if courses have not started). Your instructor's email and name can be found after logging in by clicking on Course Information or can be found on the homepage of your course after classes begin.

After courses begin, all communications between instructor and student should happen from Canvas Messaging.

If you need technical assistance at any time during the course or to report a problem with your account please visit https://niswongeronline.com/questions/ to submit a trouble ticket or contact:

Mr. Chris Dotson

Technology Support Lead, Niswonger Online & APAA

cdotson@niswongerfoundation.org

You can also visit this page for answers to frequently asked questions: https://niswongeronline.com/students 

For other concerns that have not been addressed by your teacher or by our Technology Support Team contact:

Dr. Gina Pavlovich                                                           Mrs. Jill Davis

Director AP Access for ALL & Niswonger Online            Assistant Director, Niswonger Online

gpavlovich@niswongerfoundation.org                             jdavis@niswongerfoundation.org 

 **ONLY your school Counselor or local Administrator can request a course change or    drop. No one within Niswonger Online can approve this.**

Course Outline

Unit 4 Residences and Communities

Unit 5 Scheduling

Unit 6 Good Times

Grading Policy

Your grade in this course will be determined based on a point system. Each activity, assignment, and quiz are assigned a point value. All points are added together to determine your final grade.

Conversation Starter Discussions

Watch the conversation starters.  You will have a partner to converse on this. Please work together. Pick a question to answer, and type your response in the discussion board by the due date.  Once you type your response, you will be able to see your classmates’ responses.  Feel free to post additional questions and comments to better understand the conversation starters.

Worksheets

Worksheets are designed to retain and reinforce what is learned in the classroom. Complete the assigned workbook assignments by assigned due dates.

Quizzes

Quizzes are designed to cover content previously learned to ensure you are on the right pace in learning the material.  Complete the assigned quizzes by the due dates.

Peer Observation Assignment (POA)

At the end of each unit, you will be watching videos of proficient Deaf ASL signers signing something incorrectly.  Try to identify the error by answering the questions by the due date.

Self Observation Assessment Review (SOAR)

At the end of each unit, you are to sign sentences in ASL.  You are to record your work and submit your video by the due date.  Complete the rubric by comparing your video with the proficient Deaf ASL signer, identifying areas you can improve and areas that you are doing well.

Story Comprehension

At the end of each unit, you will watch a story and answer questions about the story by the due date.  

Unit Comprehension Test

The test will cover material presented up to this point in the course. They will include information from the lectures, vocabulary, conversation starter discussions, worksheets, and quizzes.

Unit Production Test

The test will cover material presented up to this point in the course. They will include information from the lectures, vocabulary, conversation starter discussions, worksheets, and quizzes.

Niswonger Online Late Work Policy (updated July 2023)

At Niswonger Online, we understand the importance of meeting deadlines and developing strong time management skills. To maintain consistency and encourage timely submissions, we have established a firm late work policy. Please click the link to review this policy: Late Work Policy

Viewing Grades and Feedback in Canvas

Points you receive for graded activities will be posted to your Canvas Grade Book. Click on the Grades link on the left navigation to view your grades and feedback.

Your teacher will update the online grades each time a due date has passed. Check back for updated grades and feedback 3-4 days after submission.

It is also important to read or view all feedback given by your teacher. This is how a student will grow within the course. Feedback can be viewed from your Canvas gradebook by clicking on the small icon- out from your numerical grade.

Course Policies

Commit to Integrity

As a student in this course, you are expected to maintain high degrees of professionalism and integrity.

Cheating is “the act of obtaining or attempting to obtain credit for academic work through the use of any dishonest, deceptive, or fraudulent means.”

Plagiarism is “the practice of taking someone else's work or ideas and passing them off as one's own.”

Niswonger Online Plagiarism Policy      

All students will be asked to read the Niswonger Online plagiarism policy and complete an assignment to show understanding BEFORE any work in the course can be accessed or completed. The plagiarism policy and corresponding assignment is linked in the second module, labeled Academic Integrity, within each course.

Go to https://niswongeronline.com/academic-integrity/  to view the plagiarism policy without logging into the course.

Build Rapport

If you find that you have any trouble keeping up with assignments or other aspects of the course, make sure you let your teacher know as early as possible. As you will find, building rapport and effective relationships are key to becoming an effective professional. Make sure that you are proactive in informing your teacher when difficulties arise during the semester so that we can help you find a solution.

Submitting Assignments

All assignments for this course will be submitted electronically through Canvas unless otherwise instructed. If you have any trouble submitting your assignment in Canvas you should contact your teacher or the Niswonger Online Technology team immediately.

Course Enrollment and Drops

Students can only be enrolled in a Niswonger Online course by their home high school’s counselor or administrator.

Course drops can only be approved by school personnel (counselor or administrator). Online teachers, the Niswonger Online director, or Niswonger Online Assistant Director cannot approve any course changes. Each school has its own policy on when a student may drop their online course. Please see your school counselor or administrator if you have any questions about this.