Decide whether you want to pursue a college-like virtual course, learn from a website or learn from computer software. Also, decide whether or not you are willing to pay for software or online resources.
For free resources, handspeak.com offers fingerspelling charts, a dictionary, word of the day and phrase of the week, as well as articles, blogs and videos about sign language. ASLPro.com offers a video dictionary and vocabulary videos and is a good resource for learning basic functional ASL.
Sign up for classes at ASL University, which provides free self-study materials and lessons as well as fee-based, instructor-guided courses. These paid guided courses can be used to fulfill language requirements or for students who want instructor feedback. Each course is designed to fit into a traditional 15-week semester-length study program. SigningOnline.com also offers interactive web-based courses for $49.95 each, with four months' access.
Purchase ASL software such as Sign Genius or Ready Set Sign, which provide lessons for all ages. CD-ROM Software is best for students who may not have a reliable Internet connection.
Purchase a sign language DVD from websites like SignLanguageVideo.com or LearnSignLanguageDvd.com. These provide similar instruction as software or Internet courses, but may not be as extensive or interactive.
Practice every day. The most important aspect of learning a foreign language, according to PickTheBrain.com, is consistency. It is also helpful, once you have a basic knowledge of sign language, to interact with other sign language speakers by volunteering in deaf communities or joining a local sign language club.