How to Teach the English Language Online

You don't have to worry about using books when you teach English online.

There are opportunities available to teach English online to non-native English speakers. Students from around the world are interested in learning English in order to improve their job prospects, enter college in an English-speaking country, or for travel. Teaching English online allows native English speakers to connect with English language learners from all over the world.

Things You'll Need

• A high-speed Internet connection
• Headphones
• Microphone
• Webcam
• Resume
• Experience teaching English

Instructions

1. Connect to the Internet using a high speed connection, like DSL or cable. You can use a desktop or a laptop computer to teach English online, but it is essential that you use a high-speed Internet connection. A high-speed connection will enable you to teach using your Voice over Internet Protocol. Therefore, you can talk to language learners using your computer. Wireless connections tend to be unstable, causing you to fade out when communicating with your students.

2. Connect headphones to your computer. Headphones allow you to talk to and hear your students without feedback or an echo. If you don't use headphones, your microphone will pick up the sound of your students' voices and they may hear an echo.

3. Use a microphone with a mute button. Although your computer may have a built-in microphone, an external mic is helpful because you can quickly mute the sound if you need to. There are also sound cancelling microphones available that cancel outside noises.

4. Use the webcam on your computer or use an external cam. Seeing a person's mouth and facial expressions as they pronounce words helps students learn through visual cues. Shy students need to see a smiling face, or a nod as you confirm their attempts.

5. Prepare your resume. Your resume needs to reflect professional experience teaching English. Online organizations want to know that you have experience in helping other learners, and students want to know that they are learning from someone with teaching experience. You will need to submit your resume to online tutoring companies, or if you choose to be an independent contractor, you should post bullet points from your resume into advertisements.

6. Apply to tutoring companies using your resume. If you land an interview, you will likely be asked to participate in training sessions and mock tutoring sessions, either with an actual student or with someone from the company.

7. Practice tutoring techniques for stimulating conversation and teaching vocabulary. Tutoring companies may use Skype, which allows you to video call students. You may be given lessons or you may be asked to provide your own lessons. Many companies have whiteboard capabilities, so you can write on an online whiteboard as you talk. During lessons, tutors correct errors after the students have finished speaking.

Tips & Warnings

• If you would like to teach as a freelancer, advertise your services on sites like craigslist.org.

Resources

• Skype.com