The 5 Parameters of American Sign Language

Tab Interaction
Image of "The 5 Parameters of American Sign Language" title screen open on a desktop computer. Two people are seated at the desk viewing the screen.
Audience
Beginner ASL students and/or students taking an ASL linguistics course
Responsibilities
Instructional Design, eLearning Development, Visual Design, Storyboard, Video Recording, Video Editing, Performing ASL signs
Tools Used
Articulate Storyline 360, Canva, Google Docs

The Problem

New ASL users are struggling to grasp the nuances of each parameter of ASL due to limited exposure and examples. This lack of understanding is negatively impacting their comprehension of ASL linguistics and their ability to produce the language accurately.

The Solution

A tab interaction that allows students to access the information in any order they prefer. This allows the student autonomy over their learning process and can increase engagement with the material. Descriptions and examples of signs that belong in each category allow students to develop a better understanding of the parameters. Video examples that the students can view and practice will support the written information presented as well as connect theory and practical application. To further this experience in the classroom, students may come up with their own sign examples that can reinforce their understanding of how the parameters influence the meaning of signs in a real-world context.

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Experience the Project

My Process

The objective of this project was to create a comprehensive introduction to the 5 parameters of American Sign Language (ASL). This resource is designed to be used at the beginning of an ASL linguistics course or to provide context in a lower level ASL class.

The structure of the tab interaction was designed around the parameters themselves, as they formed the foundation of the content. I recognized that each parameter required its own tab with relevant information. Additionally, I included an introductory tab to provide learners with an overview of what they could expect from the learning experience.

Text-Based Storyboard

During the storyboarding process, my main focus was on determining the content that would be presented in each tab. Additionally, I included details about the graphics, such as relevant icons and handshapes, as well as any changes to the tab color when selected. By carefully planning and organizing the content and visual elements, I ensured that the project would be visually appealing, engaging, and easy to navigate for users.

Visual Mockups

The tab interaction feature ensures that all 5 parameters are visible at all times, allowing users to easily review them at a glance and anticipate what they will learn next.

Image of the first tab in the project. The five parameters are listed in tabs down the left side.
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For each parameter, there are example signs included to illustrate how a single change in a parameter can alter the meaning of a sign.

Image of the location tab showing a brief description and buttons to view sign examples.
Image of the handshape tab showing a brief description and buttons to view sign examples.
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The accompanying example videos are particularly helpful for students in ASL 1 or 2 courses who may not be familiar with the signs.

Image of a woman signing APPLE in a white box that overlays the rest of the project.

I aimed to create on-screen graphics that were visually appealing yet simple, clear, and colorful. To achieve this, I carefully selected relevant icons and handshapes, and added a splash of color in the background. The intention was to create an image that would enhance the presentation of information without becoming a distraction.

Image of the movement tab showing a brief description and buttons to view sign examples.
Image of the non-manual signals tab showing a brief description and buttons to view sign examples.
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Full Development

The project consists of 2 scenes. The first scene includes a base slide with tabs that users can select to reveal different slide layers with information.

Image of the base layer of the project that contains only the tabs on the left.
Image showing the different layers stacked on top of the base layer.
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The second scene includes a collection of slides with videos that are displayed using a lightbox.

Image showing the project map with in storyline. Scene 1 containing the base layer has several arrows connecting to various slides within scene 2.
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For the video, I utilized Canva's background remover to give it a polished and professional appearance when displayed. This ensured that the video had a clean and refined look, contributing to the overall visual appeal of the project.

Image of a woman signing MY in a white box that overlays the rest of the project.
Image of a woman signing ME or I in a white box that overlays the rest of the project.
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Takeaways

This project was the first learning experience I ever created using Storyline 360. Throughout the process, I familiarized myself with effectively using layers, triggers, and states to enhance the interactivity of the project. 

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Following feedback from the Instructional Design community, it was suggested that incorporating example videos would further enhance the learning experience, though I was initially uncertain about how to implement this suggestion.

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However, after completing several other projects and gaining more knowledge I realized I could incorporate the videos seamlessly using lightboxes. 

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I enthusiastically revisited the project, incorporating the feedback I had received, and I am thrilled with the final result. The project now has an improved design and enhanced functionality, all thanks to the valuable feedback of my peers and the newfound techniques I gained through my continued learning and exploration of Storyline 360.

Experience the Project

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