#ProudToBeEC – British Sign Language Courses Continue Online
The College’s Introduction to British Sign Language (BSL) and BSL Level 1 courses have continued to be delivered online during the COVID-19 pandemic with lessons taking place on Zoom.
The course, delivered by lecturer Alan Sanders, has received glowing feedback from students, detailed below – who have been delighted with how the online evening sessions have allowed them to continue learning.
Modern Languages curriculum leader Caroline Cordier said: “Alan has done an absolutely amazing job keeping his two evening classes going (Introduction to BSL and BSL Level one) by posting videos on Moodle and teaching his groups remotely after lockdown.
“Having someone like Alan in our Modern Languages team definitely makes me #ProudtobeEC.”
Introduction to BSL student feedback
Jennifer: Prior to starting the sessions, I had felt a little daunted by the prospect of taking on learning a new language from scratch. I was concerned that I would find it too overwhelming and be biting off more than I could chew. Alan quickly changed my perceptions from the moment I joined the course. He put everyone at ease with his calming, friendly and fun demeanour and no question was deemed too silly to ask. He introduced and taught BSL to the group at a pitch perfect pace, whilst also making sure to keep an eye on the progress and individual needs of each student. I would highly recommend the course to others – and if only for the quality of Alan’s storytelling. His stories helped us all to become more familiar and comfortable with extra vocabulary and the way in which BSL is structured. The fact that they were also thoroughly engaging and entertaining was a great bonus. I am now looking forward to signing up for the next course.
Fiona: Thanks Alan, the Zoom calls have been great and have gone really smoothly. I thought the assessment last night, although nerve wracking for me, was really well organised. Thank you so much. The online learning videos have been first class. I would like to thank you for all your efforts as it has made finishing the course easy.
Sam: I just wanted to say thank you again for such a wonderful class and for continuing the course on Zoom. I have loved learning British Sign Language. I hope to have the opportunity to continue with any future classes.
Claire: I have really enjoyed doing this short course and am keen to go further. You have been a great tutor.
Louise: I have really enjoyed the classes over Zoom. Since everyone is muted, if you think about it, we really are conversing in BSL only. This has made me realise that I can understand and have learned so much over such a short period of time. I’m sure everyone else feels the same. I am hard of hearing, so I hope to continue learning BSL at the next level. Thank you.
Rachel: Thank you very much for this evening’s assessment, I had a lot of fun. I hope we can all do BSL level 1 with you.
#ProudtobeEC
