The Last Bug :-)

Well, it took some digging, but I finally got the fingerspeller flashcards to run properly on any speed internet line.

For the technically inclined, the FSFC now uses a Just in Time loading algorithm to load the letter images. It now checks that the image has been downloaded before attempting to display it. If it's not there, it waits until the image is loaded. So you don't have to wait for it to download the entire gallery, but the first time though the alphabet it may be a bit jittery.

If you're using a dialup line or broadband with less than 150kpbs and the effect is bothersome, you may want to set the speed to deaf, then click on 'A-Z' just after you start the program. Have a cup of coffee while it downloads the entire alphabet ;-). Then it should work just fine for you, whatever your internet connection.

Performance, Performance

I've been working on the initial load times and the Fingerspell Flashcard program should now start executing after about 4 seconds on a 128 Kpbs ISDN line (compared to 15 seconds or more before).

If you are having problems with some letters not displaying correctly, especially animated letters like J or Z, try:

1. Reload the page,
2. Set the speed to 'Beginner'
3. Display 'A-Z'.
   

This will load all the images. You made need to repeat this once or twice until all the images are properly loaded. I'm working on this.

The Flashcards should now work with a 128kpbs (with a bit of patience) line and work well on a 256K or better broadband line.

I am working on this problem and should have a better fix soon.

FingerSpell Flashcards Now Online

The hard part of learning to fingerspell is not learning the forms, but learning to read and sign them at the speed that a native speaker would actually use.

Fingerspell Flashcards is a new online flash card system to learn and build proficiency in Fingerspelling, both spelling out words and reading words that other people sign to you.

With Fingerspell Flashcards, you can

• Learn fingerspelling.
• Practice in your language.
• Practice with or without displaying the corresponding text
• Learn the signs. You can display the entire alphabet. Position the mouse over a letter and see the corresponding sign. Complex signs, like j and z are displayed with an animation
• Build proficiency - you can see a random word finger spelled. If you understand it, show a new word. If you are not sure, repeat it. If you need confirmation, display the word as text.
• Build speed - chose from Beginner (Each character is displayed 1.5 seconds) to "Deaf" (each letter is displayed about 1/2 second)

Presently the FingerSpell Flashcards support:

• ASL — American Sign Language
• DGS — Deutsche Gebärdensprche/German Sign Language
• DSGS — Deutsch Schweizer Gebärdensprache/Swiss German Sign Language
• LSF — Langue des Signees Française/French Sign Language is in preparation.

Others languages can be supported on request.

You can find out more about it on the website or just try it out.

In any case, have fun!