Online Courses
The Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) is pleased to offer a variety of quality online education courses every winter, spring, summer and fall. All courses will run between four and six weeks and will be taught in an online learning community using Moodle. Many courses are offered asynchronously, meaning you won't need to log on at a specific time to participate in the class. Students who complete the course receive a certificate of completion for their records.
ALSC online courses are housed in the ALA eLearning Site, which was launched in November 2021. On this new, centralized eLearning Site, students can browse the catalog of ALA content by subject, format, or even division; access their personalized dashboard of all eCourse, webinar, and on-demand content; and more! Please visit the eLearning Site FAQ page for more information. ALSC appreciates the patience of its members and other interested eLearning participants as we, along with all of ALA, work to fine-tune this system and transition all our content over to the new site.
The new ALA eLearning Site includes new, standardized pricing and discounts for all ALA eLearning events. ALA members receive a 10% discount on all eLearning purchases in the site; ALSC members receive a 25% discount for eCourses.
Upcoming Courses
American Sign Language with Children in Storytime or in the Classroom: A Practical Guide
January 5 - February 15, 2026
American Sign Language is most commonly used in storytimes for babies, but the applications can go much further. In this 6-week eCourse, programming expert and signing storyteller Kathy MacMillan explores the benefits of signing with all children. In addition to learning basic American Sign Language (ASL) vocabulary appropriate for use with children in library and classroom settings, you will also learn techniques to share stories, songs, and other activities that incorporate ASL. The course will use readings, multimedia resources, online discussion boards, and customized video assignments to provide you with the tools to share ASL in an effective and respectful way in your programs. MacMillan provides you with a linguistic and cultural context to help make your programming more accessible.
Instructor: Kathy MacMillan
Previous Courses 2023-2025
American Sign Language with Children in Storytime or in the Classroom: A Practical Guide
At Home Learners and the Public Library
Intellectual Freedom and Ethics: Maintaining Your Values in a Challenging Era
Outreach Services for Underserved Children
Tools and Techniques for Promoting Early Literacy in BIPOC Communities
Using Picture Books to Discuss Social Justice and Equity
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these self-directed courses or real time? What is the time commitment involved?
Almost all courses are offered asynchronously (self-directed); exceptions are explicitly noted in the course description. A course may hold several synchronous chat sessions throughout the course; however, chat sessions are scheduled and announced at the start of the course. However, even in asynchronous courses, participants will be expected to log in to the online course and interact several times a week. This can include reading online, working on assignments, reading and responding to the discussion boards. Participants will be given weekly deadlines, but will be able to work at times that are most convenient to the student.
Do you offer college credit or CEUs for these courses?
ALSC is not currently certified to offer CEU credits for courses; however, all students who complete their coursework will receive a Certificate of Completion to take to their local or state accrediting body and apply for CEU credits.
Requirements vary by state and school district regarding certification and continuing education credits. The decision to grant CEU credits remains entirely up to your state or school district. If you are in need of credits, check with your state and/or school district before enrolling to determine eligibility. Some states will review your certificate of completion and course syllabus to determine eligibility. A PDF copy of the syllabus can be provided to you upon request.
Refund and Transfer Policy
Refunds may be requested for facilitated eCourses until the date the course starts. Refunds may be requested for live webinars until the webinar starts. To request a refund, please email ALA Membership and Registration Services.
If you are registered but unable to take a course you may transfer your registration to another student if that student falls under the same registration category. For instance, an ALSC member may transfer their registration to another ALSC member free of charge. If you would like to transfer your registration to someone in a different category, the difference between prices must be paid at the time of transfer. All requests for registration transfers must be made in writing no later than seven days before the start of the course. Please address all requests, including the reason for the transfer and both parties' membership numbers, to the ALSC Office and ALA Membership and Registration Services. Transfers may not be made once a course has started.
Questions?
Contact Sarah Polen, ALSC Program Officer, Continuing Education and Conferences, via email or 1-800-545-2433 ext.4026
