[English-coach]

What are your opinions of "online classes"? It seems like this is becoming an alternative to in person classes. Teachers and students from all over the world can give and receive classes with a webcam and microphone.

I might start doing them with an English Company.

I think that it could be a good way to take classes when there are no native speaks available in your city.

What do you think?

[teachingenglishmadeeasy]

I don't think it's a bad idea. However, I think it should be used carefully. Online teaching is completely different than in-class teaching. Different pedagogical methods, different types of students, etc.

[mesmark]

I might be doing a bit of on-line teaching. One of my students had to move 2 hours away and she wants to still 'attend' the class via Skype.

It ought to be interesting. A little like a tele-conference.

[ICAL_Pete]

Talking about skypeing your students there is an article in the ICALwiki you might like to refer to for ideas.

[MelissaC]

Excellent post!
I've actually taught online before, in Thailand.
I was working with Berlitz and their BVC, living in Thailand but teaching students in Japan. It was A LOT of fun! They had created a whole online program, it wasn't just though Skype, though that is a good way to do it.
Online programs are starting to spring up all over the place and many of the big companies are jumping on the trend. I know that both Berlitz and Wall Street Institute are doing them.
There was a company in Japan call The Nova Group that was doing 24/7 online classes but they... well...
TheStar.com | News | ESL teachers left in limbo in Japan

It's a GREAT idea though! I wish you the best of luck with it!
Melissa

[avari20]

I've been considering teaching "online" classes for a while now. I teach in South Korea, but who doesn't want to supplement their income? I researched a few companies. My opinion is that it's just like teaching EFL in general: what some consider a disadvantage may not be so bad in someone else's eyes. There are time differences to consider. I found most of the companies only had teaching slots available on weekends, late nights. I was looking for nights during the week. The fact that you can reach across the globe without leaving your home is pretty amazing. Most companies seemed to have their own planned out curriculums. There doesn't seem to be much individual planning required, which takes a load off of your shoulders.

If you feel like that's the way to go-try it. You never know. It might be the new future of teaching English as a foreign language. Keep us posted on your experiences!

Best of luck,
Ava

[nighthawk]

I've been doing "online teaching" for nearly 2 years. There are two ways to teach online. One is doing it "on phone"..just talking about the topic of whatnot..and video class..meaning with camera etc..
I find "phone classes" easier than "video classes"..less pressure and stress

[teachingenglishmadeeasy]

Quote nighthawk

I've been doing "online teaching" for nearly 2 years. There are two ways to teach online. One is doing it "on phone"..just talking about the topic of whatnot..and video class..meaning with camera etc..
I find "phone classes" easier than "video classes"..less pressure and stress

Yeah, i can see why live streaming can be nerve racking. lol.

[English-coach]

Well I have been doing webcam classes for three weeks now and I have to say that I really enjoy it! It is really fun, the class content is all pre-made as the company created the powerpoint slideshows for me. It really is as easy as reviewing the slides and being creative. Each class is 45 minutes and I can do it from the comfort of my home office. I am only doing 4 hours a week right now but it is a great additional stream of income.

[English-coach]

OH...I just wanted to say thank you to everyone for adding your comments and experiences on this thread as well. It was great to see what other people thought about them. It is true. Teaching online is VERY different from teaching in person...and it has its good points and it's drawbacks, but for me it works great!

[PronouncePro]

Great points made by everyone. It seems with online teaching teachers would be able to largely increase their reach of potential students. This must have some appeal.

On the other hand, I like one on one because teachers can see what students need to work on based on body actions, minor facial expressions, etc.

Both are better than no instruction however!

[raja1]

ya this is a good idea.many can benefit from your idea.

[English-coach]

I'm continuing with online classes and I have to say that they are really fun to do and for me it is great. I can do a couple hours a day in the morning...in my home office and then forget about it. It works into my daily life really well. No commuting!!! Love it!

[Lexus]

Quote English-coach

I'm continuing with online classes and I have to say that they are really fun to do and for me it is great. I can do a couple hours a day in the morning...in my home office and then forget about it. It works into my daily life really well. No commuting!!! Love it!

You're right, it is great and have fun

[brianamorgan]

Online classes are great I think especially like people who travels a lot. This is very convenient to us because we can learn wherever we are...

[cecilemanganaro1]

Teaching online is very good idea. In this days it's become very popular.