The Victoria University of Wellington has recently launched an innovative learning resource by its Deaf Studies Research Unit (DSRU). Called learn NZSl, the free online resource will be available from April 6, 2017 at their newly launched site to mark the eleventh anniversary of New Zealand Sign language (NZSl) becoming an official language of New Zealand.
learn NZSl project manager and School of linguistics and Applied language Studies lecturer Sara Pivac Alexander says the e-learning resource is the first of its kind to provide a large-scale, free, interactive and sequential learning experience for NZSl.
“Approximately 95 percent of Deaf children are born to hearing parents. It can be difficult for hearing parents to access local NZSl classes, so this resource will help them increase their understanding and ability to communicate with their child and the Deaf community,” Alexander says.
The course will cover everyday vocabulary, phrases and conversations and is split into nine topics, supported by interactive tasks and 660 videos. Award-winning local elearning company, Kineo Asia Pacific, has worked in partnership with the DSRU to develop the learning resources.