Two Lakeland College sign language interpretation (SLI) students are using the power of technology to fulfill their practicum hours.

Normally, SLI students would complete practicums in the community, however, due to COVID-19, social distancing is necessary. Lindsay Cline and Trisha Wuerch are virtually interpreting Lakeland's American Sign Language and Deaf Culture Studies (SLDS) classes via Zoom video conferencing. According to Jody Morrison, ASL and SLI program facilitator, the digital interpreting method is unorthodox, but an exciting alternative for the students to put their skills to the test.

“Since Lindsay and Trisha can't be out in the community, we've created this opportunity for them to earn their practicum hours and finish the program,” Morrison says.

During class, Cline and Wuerch rotate every 15-20 minutes: interpreting the instruction provided in ASL into spoken English. While not interpreting, they support each other and monitor the interpretation being provided. Not only are the two building their interpreting skills, but they are also improving their teaming skills to maintain the flow of information.

“I'm thankful that we have this as an option to build our skills and practice. Interpreting is something that should be practiced daily or you'll lose it. This has been a positive experience, and for me, a new and exciting way to interpret,” says Cline who plans to find a career in a K-12 education setting

Depending on the length of classes, Cline and Wuerch will interpret up to 17 hours per week throughout the four weeks.

“I'm also grateful that we were still able to get our interpreting hours in. I'm sure there's a lot of professional interpreters who are working online like this because of social distancing. It's invaluable for us to have this experience that's relevant to what our industry is doing now,” says Wuerch, who also has an interest in interpreting in a K-12 setting, as well as theatrical interpreting.

Lakeland's two-year SLI diploma program is offered at the Alberta School for the Deaf in Edmonton. Students continue to advance their ASL skills, and learn to interpret between ASL and English, explore the professional and ethical side of interpreting, get involved in Deaf and interpreting communities, and more.

 

Photos: Lindsey Cline (top) and Trisha Wuerch (bottom) interpret virtually through the video communication software Zoom.