Overview
The Start ASL Offline Course is a downloadable version of our curriculum designed for independent learners and families who want to learn ASL at their own pace without relying on the online learning platform.
The curriculum content is similar to our online courses, but the Offline Course is delivered as downloadable files rather than through an online student account.
The Offline Course may be a good fit for individuals or immediate household families learning together, especially when they do not need online progress tracking, completion certificates, instructor feedback, signing evaluation, assignment grading, Practice Sessions, or Office Hours.
What's Included?
Each Offline Course download includes:
Course lessons
Workbook/practice activities
Vocabulary videos
PDF learning materials
HTML webpage version of the course
Downloadable video files
All files are provided in a compressed ZIP folder.
Getting Started
For detailed instructions, the Offline Course instructions are attached at the bottom of this article.
Step 1: Download Your Course
Download the ZIP file using the download link provided after purchase.
Please note that the ZIP files are large and may take time to download.
Typical file size:
Approximately 1.4–1.9 GB per course level
Make sure you have enough available storage space before downloading.
Step 2: Unzip the Files
After downloading, extract (unzip) the ZIP folder.
The course files must be unzipped before they can be used properly.
Step 3: Open the Course Folder
After unzipping, open the course folder.
You will find:
ASL_Workbook.pdf
ASL_Lessons.pdf
HTML course files
Video files
Step 4: Print the Workbook
Locate:
ASL_Workbook.pdf
Print the workbook for completing lesson activities and assignments.
Step 5: Begin Learning
You may use either of the following course formats:
1. PDF Course
Open:
ASL_Lessons.pdf
This file contains the lesson sequence and references videos and workbook activities throughout the course.
2. Webpage Course
Open:
index.html
This file launches the course in your internet browser.
If the file does not open automatically:
Right-click the file.
Select "Open With."
Choose your preferred browser.
Select "Always use this program."
Google Chrome is recommended.
System Requirements
To use the Offline Course, you should have:
1. PDF Reader
Examples:
Adobe Reader
Other PDF-compatible software
2. Video Player
Examples:
QuickTime Player
Windows Media Player
Other MP4-compatible video players
3. Internet Browser
For the HTML version of the course:
Google Chrome (recommended)
Microsoft Edge
Firefox
Safari
Using the Offline Course on Mobile Devices
Many students successfully use the Offline Course on mobile devices.
Recommended process:
Download the files to a computer.
Unzip the files.
Transfer the files to your mobile device.
Some mobile apps can unzip files directly on your device.
You will also need apps capable of opening:
PDF files
HTML files
MP4 video files
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the Difference Between the Offline Course and the Online Course?
The curriculum content is the same.
The primary difference is how the course is delivered.
Offline Course
Downloadable files
Self-study
No internet required after download
No online progress tracking
No certificates
No instructor support
No assignment grading
Online Courses
Browser-based learning
Progress tracking
Certificates of completion
Interactive activities
Online Guided support options
Practice Sessions and Office Hours (Online Guided)
What's the Difference Between the Offline Course and the Teacher's Curriculum?
Offline Course
Designed for:
Independent learners
Homeschool students
Immediate household families learning together
Self-paced, parent-guided, or family learning
The Offline Course includes downloadable student-facing course materials. A parent may guide their own children through the materials at home, but the Offline Course is not designed or licensed for classroom, co-op, tutoring program, church group, or school-wide use.
Teacher’s Curriculum / Classroom License
Designed for:
Classroom instruction
Schools
Co-ops
Teachers leading multiple students
Group learning outside one immediate household
The Teacher’s Curriculum includes classroom resources, lesson plans, and Student E-Guides designed for teacher-led instruction.
Can More Than One Student Use the Offline Course?
The Offline Course may be used by one learner or by children within the same immediate household.
This can make it a good option for families who want to learn ASL together and do not need separate online student accounts, individual progress tracking, completion certificates, instructor grading, signing evaluation, or verified completion documentation.
If you are purchasing for a classroom, homeschool co-op, school, tutoring program, church group, or other group setting, please purchase the appropriate school, group, or classroom license instead.
Using the Offline Course as a Family
The Start ASL Offline Course can be a good option for families who want to learn ASL together and do not need individual online student accounts.
The Offline Course includes downloadable course materials that families can use at their own pace. It may be especially helpful for homeschool families or households with multiple children learning together.
Because the Offline Course is not an online student course, it does not include automatic progress tracking, online grading, completion certificates, instructor support, or signing evaluation. Families who need individual student records, certificates, instructor feedback, or verified completion documentation should consider Online Self-Study or Online Guided instead.
Can I Rename or Move the Files?
If you plan to use the HTML version of the course, files should remain in their original folder structure.
Moving, renaming, or separating files may cause links and videos to stop working properly.
Can I Burn the Videos to a DVD?
Yes. If you have the appropriate equipment and software, you may burn the video files to a DVD for personal use.
Video Questions
I Don't Hear Any Sound in the Videos
This is normal.
The videos intentionally do not contain spoken English audio.
The goal is to encourage direct ASL learning and immersion rather than relying on English translations.
Students should follow the lessons and activities while watching the videos.
How Can I Play the Videos in Slow Motion?
Many video players support slower playback speeds.
Common options include:
Windows Media Player
Adjust:
Enhancements → Play Speed Settings
QuickTime Player
Pause the video and use the arrow keys to step through the video frame-by-frame.
Some third-party video players may also offer variable playback speeds.
Troubleshooting
Videos Won't Open
Check the following:
1. Were the files unzipped?
The ZIP folder must be extracted before use.
2. Do you have a video player installed?
Install a video player capable of opening MP4 files.
3. Is your computer using the correct program?
You may need to right-click the video and choose:
Open With → Select your preferred video player.
HTML Course Won't Open
Try:
Right-clicking the index.html file.
Choosing "Open With."
Selecting your preferred web browser.
Google Chrome is recommended.
Files Appear Missing
This often occurs when:
The ZIP file was not fully extracted.
Files were moved or renamed.
The download was incomplete.
Verify that all course files remain together in the original folder structure.
Need Technical Download/Setup Guidance?
Some troubleshooting issues may require review of your specific device, files, or installation.
A member of our team can provide additional guidance if needed.