Teaching English Online: Challenges and Opportunities

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Teaching English Online stands at the intersection of emerging digital technology and the demand for learning English as a global language. At this intersection stands an opportunity. If you are someone who has a passion not to let go of opportunities, feel free to explore the blog!

Feel free to explore in this blog the challenges you face as well as opportunities you discover while teaching English online as a career option and how to go about it in the long term through TEFL Certifications.

Why is Teaching English Online Booming as an industry?

1. Wide penetration of the Internet:

Firstly, internet connectivity worldwide has surged the demand for teachers who can effectively teach through virtual platforms. The methodology involves multimedia resources as well as the global pool of information and knowledge across the internet across various sites. 

2. Boom of Ed Tech Platform:

There are various booming Ed Tech & Upskilling platforms such as Henry Harvin offering such opportunities for online English Tutoring to promote relevant skills aligning to the industry and market trends among the workforce.

3. English as a Global Language: 

English has become one of the most commonly used international languages and is often used as a second language. Most resumes, job applications, emails, etc form are essential mediums in the market domain. In fact, with the advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI), it serves as a dominant element within the Large Language Models(LLMs)

4. Post-Covid Work Culture: 

While the COVID-19 pandemic fancied the world with the idea of a Hybrid and Remote work culture which made it possible for professionals sitting in their homes and personal spaces to work effectively saving time. Therefore, teaching English online aligns conveniently with this kind of work culture.

 What value does it add? 

1. Handling Emerging Technology

The skills of teaching online involve handling multimedia resources and accessing the global pool of knowledge. Besides, it makes you build upon your study material and operate on your own website. What if one might gear up for a start-up in the Ed-tech industry?

2. Communication Skills

Teaching English Online involves engagement with diverse learners and contributes to the development of interpersonal skills as well as effective LSRW skills (Listening, Speaking, Reading & Writing). These communication skills can further build upon the existing pedagogical knowledge to involve a newer and more dynamic approach to teaching methodology with a smoother integration of Language and digital technology.

3. Building Professional Network

Besides a mass audience interaction, presenting new learning in English gives a wide array of scope for engagement with professional teaching communities, organizations, and institutions, and a diversified professional portfolio due to the engagement with a multitude of learners from different sectors.

4. Diversify Income Sources

Besides, adding professional upskilling opportunities & building networks across the world, it provides a delightful exposure to diversify your income portfolio as well as bring in a side gig to make your life more and more effective and productive

Challenges You Face While Teaching English Online

1. Attention of Students

Teaching English Online can be challenging at times when students lose attention spans, unless and until the content shared is engaging and interactive. 

2. Evaluation and Assessment

It can often be difficult to track and monitor the progress of every student accurately. Indeed, delayed feedback and response are often considered a concern. These issues are likely to compromise the accuracy and effectiveness of the evaluation process. 

3. Logistical Issues

The logistical Issues involve handling the emails, registration, and management issues while using an online platform to impart English Online.

4. Quality of Teaching

The quality of teaching offered is often compromised when the audience is wider and timelines are fixed. Interpersonal interaction becomes challenging in these cases.

5. Distractions

• The distractions in the age of social media and internet connectivity are very common. This can often disturb the class. 
• Apart from online distractions, there could be numerous physical distractions because in a way neither the instructor nor the learner (to some extent) have control over the personal space and surroundings during the classes.

6. Time Zone Differences

Learners from across the world may find it difficult to accommodate shifts in schedules of live sessions on virtual platforms. As a result, that might affect the engagement rate across the platform and hinder effectiveness.

7. Cultural and Language Barriers

The presence of a regionally diverse audience and an international community can present a multitude of challenges in front of the instructor. There could be gaps in the two-way conversation due to accent, pronunciation, and phonetic differences. 

8. Technical Glitches

• Technical Issues involving frozen screens, broken audio on the platforms, and software can interrupt the flow of the lessons. 
• Internet connectivity issues can cause gaps in the communications leading to more time consumption hindering the effectiveness and frustrating both the student and teachers.

Opportunities You Discover While Teaching English Online:

1. Certification Courses- TESOL Certification (Teaching English to Students Speaking Other Languages) and TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language)Certification

• Teaching English Online has many learning opportunities as well. Gearing up for these certification courses is often complemented with a paid internship which further provides you with an entry-level experience. 
• TESOL/ TEFL Courses often push forward toward becoming a specialized instructor in English and open up a whole new window to explore.
• Upgrade your CV by including attractive Job Profiles such as Instructional Designer, Language Consultant, EFL Teacher, English Language Curriculum Developer and many more.

2. A Diverse Audience

• This is one of the most outstanding benefits of teaching English Online. English being a global language can be one of the most lucrative mediums to interact and engage with an international community altogether. 
• This can not only provide diverse perspectives but also expose oneself to the various learning expectations of students. Indeed, this can serve as an edge for the instructor both in terms of personal development as well as professional growth (Understanding pedagogy across the world).

3. Great Scope of Self-Employment

• If you are someone who wants to create their own career path, without relying on other platforms, perhaps being a CEO of the Teaching English Online platform can likely be a viable alternative for generating employment oneself. 
• Besides, with the rising demand for jobs and competition of getting hired in a lucrative company, teaching English Online can be a feasible option that can help an individual stand out in this domain. 

4. Upward-Sloping Curve

The curve for the demand of teaching English online has been constantly rising since the penetration of the internet worldwide. This market is likely to become more and more dynamic and a constant upskilling. In this context teaching English online can be one of the most demanding career options in the Industry. 

5. Huge Income Generation Source

Teaching English Online can serve for both part-time as well as full-time job opportunities. This can provide an ultimate side gig. Interestingly, not only can it diversify your income sources but also helps you earn straight away from your comfort space.

6. ESL Instructor

In many countries like India, people consider English as their second language for career prospects and employment opportunities. Hence, becoming an instructor for such non-native speakers gives a huge demographic advantage to them.

7. Specialized Instructor for IELTS & TOEFL:

• Most International Universities consider competitive exams such as IELTS & TOEFL as essential criteria to accept students who are applying for higher studies into their institution to check the international standards of English among them. 
• Therefore, demand for the preparation for these examinations has picked up pace since the world has globalized and only certain specialized instructors can train students at that level of English. Teaching English Online can satisfy this competitive quest among the students.

Henry Harvin TEFL Course- Become a TEFL Expert

About Henry Harvin: 

Henry Harvin is one of the oldest EdTech and upskilling platforms having offices across the US, UK, UAE & India. It offers various certifications, degrees, diplomas, and doctorate courses globally. It envisions training individuals with benchmarked content, integrated with State-of-the-Art Technology to create a unique Job-Ready Portfolio for them.

Let’s explore what features do Henry Harvin offer through TEFL Certification Courses!

TEFL Course Features under Henry Harvin:

• Learn effective teaching, classroom management skills as well as lesson planning skills
• Acquire Domain knowledge about testing and assessment procedures
• Learn Business English 
• LSRW Skills: Effective Speaking and communication skill
• Live Masterclasses as well as Capstone Projects with Industry Experts
• Earn Govt. of India Recognized certification through Henry Harvin and fetch NSDC Certificate
• Guaranteed Internship with Henry Harvin and in reputed MNCs such as J.P.Morgan, Accenture & Many more via Forage.
• 3 in 1 placement support via placement drive cell, premium job portal along with personalized Job Consulting

Conclusion 

Teaching English Online is undoubtedly an incredible career pathway. Giving it a kick start in a professional road map can open up a whole new window while interacting with the world in a more effective manner. Besides, it also allows you to switch between diverse career paths ranging from being a language instructor to an education consultant to further being an entrepreneur within the industry. It brings into the frame and addresses the demand for English as a global language and the rising interest of global citizens to learn it. 

Recommended Reads

What is TEFL and What is TEFL Certification?

Teaching English as a Foreign Language

TEFL: The Road to Foreign Teaching Assignments in 2024

Teaching English Online Vs Teaching English Abroad: Which is Better in 2024?

FAQs

Q1. Do I need to have a prior B. Ed Degree or any kind of teaching experience?

Ans- Although, it’s not mandatory. However, pursuing TEFL/ TESOL Courses can make you certified as an Online English Teacher. You can Include it in your LinkedIn Profile or resumes to get an edge in getting access to better jobs and attract Recruiters.

Q2. What are the minimum requirements for teaching English online?

Ans- There are essential requirements that you cannot miss. Firstly, a stable Internet Connection is an essential prerequisite. Secondly, having a decent knowledge of English can be an amazing level playing field. Thirdly, getting certified through TEFL/TESOL Certification courses.(Do not need to worry if you do not feel confident. There are reputed institutions like Henry Harvin offering short-term training courses with feasible prices to get you ready with hands-on experience).

Q3. How much money can I make while teaching English online?

Ans- The pay for online English instructors varies from recruiters to recruiters. However, you can typically expect to earn an average salary of USD 10 to 20 per hour as an entry-level teacher. In Case you have other commitments you can still make $100-$200 per week. 

Q4. What are the biggest benefits of joining TEFL for teaching English online?

Ans-The most important benefits include the remote work culture which provides both safety and comfort to work. Additionally, the flexibility in working hours is a cherry on the top.

Q5. Can it be a full-time career option?

Ans- Yes, definitely. If you have the availability, you can turn it into a full-time job and teach five hours a day or more, to earn yourself a full-time salary of $2000 a month to start or even more.

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