When you are just getting started with your lesson setup, there are a couple of things that you must pay attention to. Teaching English online takes much more than room preparation and your presence – you need patience, a positive attitude, and passion for each lesson.
One thing that is important to bear in mind is that the classroom props and equipment you need to get set for an online English class makes the whole difference between mediocrity and great classroom experience.
In addition to a computer, a good webcam, and realizable internet connectivity, some of the most important things you must include in the setup include;
It is important to have a good quality headset. While the price is a factor to consider, you must start by checking out the product reviews carefully to ensure that you are getting something that is not only low in price but also quality.
You should use Bluetooth compatible headsets – especially if you are using a newer MacBook. This is mainly because the newer MacBook doesn't have a USB port. Therefore, if you are going to use a USB headset, ensure that you have a USB C to a USB adapter.
This often depends on where you are working. If you are constantly traveling, you must invest in a laptop stand because you will not have a desk at all times. The good thing is that the laptop stands are not only portable but also collapsible.
The good thing with the dry erase boards is that they are reusable. All you can do is wipe the previous lesson and start over with a new one. Using different colors or markers are important in helping the students differentiate a wide range of things you are teaching. You could also have a large dry erase marker propped up to give your classroom an authentic feeling. Magnetic dry erase boards are also very attractive to most online teachers.
Some of the things you can use to help students – especially visual learners – memorize what you are teaching include the flashcards. Some of those you can use when teaching young students include; numbers, first words, the alphabet, colors, and shapes.
This is very important when it comes to motivating your students to do the best they can to succeed in mastering the English language. One thing that is important to bear in mind is that students like to be rewarded for their hard work and consistency. This goes a long way in helping them try hard to outperform themselves in every lesson.
Try to get as creative as you can with the reward systems you choose. The bottom line is to keep it simple if you are teaching young children, using visual approaches as your reward system goes a long way.
As we already mentioned earlier, teaching English online does not necessarily mean that you must have a background in Education. However, with time, you might need a teaching certification. If you have a University degree, that is a great place to start – getting a TEFL, CELTA, or TESOL certification is next.
This stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language. This is one of the most common ESL teaching certifications. Theoretically, it is believed that this certification goes a long way in offering one more opportunity and ability to negotiate for a raise. What is important to note is that there is no universal standard for the quality of the TEFL course. The fee to getting this certification range between $40 and $1400. Therefore, you must consider what is pocket-friendly and which company meets your needs as an aspiring ESL teacher.
This stands for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. This is quite similar to the TEFL certification in the sense that there is no universal standard curriculum. However, TESOL certification is often offered by accredited Universities and other Higher Institutions of Learning.
This stands for Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults. The University of Cambridge specifically offers this. It is believed to be one of the most intense English curriculums you can obtain. Unlike the other certifications, this specific one is universally recognized. However, it comes with a high price tag.
Some of the popular qualities that will set you up for a career as an online English teacher include;
If you can work odd hours, including weekends.
If you have a clean-cut and a professional look that sends a good first impression to the recruiters.
If you are just getting started for the very first time, don't try to shy away from what you are passionate about, even if you don't have experience teaching online.
Realize that even if you don’t have a degree in education or Linguistics, having just one of the certifications can give you an upper leg during interviews.