Identify your goals for learning American Sign Language. Learning sign language may be your way of communicating with a deaf friend or loved one. Social workers, public service and hospital employees may find that learning sign language might also be a way to give you an extra boost at work. Many ASL DVD courses exist. Understanding what you are looking for in a program will help narrow your options.
Purchase a DVD that fits your needs. For fluency, purchase the most extensive and comprehensive ASL-instructing DVD. Full ASL courses are available and consist of up to 22 hours of lessons and practice. Specialized ASL DVD courses, such as ASL for law enforcement and health care workers, can be as short as 90 minutes.
Watch and practice DVD lessons daily. Repeat any lessons or portions that you are having trouble with. One of the advantages of learning ASL with a DVD is that you may move at your own pace. American Sign Language Online recommends that new learners "start off small" with the ASL alphabet and numbers and make your way up to simple words and phrases.
Reinforce what you have learned by practicing with a person. After mastering a few words and phrases with DVD courses, practice incorporating them into conversations. Although you may be able to learn ASL with a DVD, remember that language is interactive. ASL University suggests looking into ASL organizations, services, clubs, and activities for the deaf to help practice and improve your conversation skills.