Moving from the Classroom to Teaching Online During Corona-virus Pandemic

Do you want to earn some money to pay for your bill due to the corona-virus pandemic? I was an ESL teacher in Dublin. But a few month earlier, I have decided to become an online teacher due to the outbreak of corona-virus, which is one of the best decisions I have ever made. 

Before you start to teach online, you need to be aware of the following tips.

What type of student do you want?

 What you need to consider first is the type of student you want. There is a great and huge demand for English-speaking teachers to teach Chinese children. And the salary is much better (usually around $10-25 per hour), so if you don’t mind teaching children, then choose to teach Chinese students.

 I prefer to teach adults. Most of my students are from Brazil and Spain because I can speak their language, but it is not necessary to speak foreign languages. Like you teach Chinese students, you don’t have to speak Chinese as well. But you need to be aware that most Chinese students are from 5-18 years old.

 How much do you need to make?

 One of the most important questions you need to ask yourself is how much you need to earn. You can open the schedule for as many hours as you want. Normally the Chinese companies have the minimum working hours like 3 hours in one week, but you can work as many hours as possible. And you might need to work on weekends as well.

Learn how to make an introduction video 

Most companies might need you to make an introduction video when you get started. This is your chance to show off your teaching skills. It is very important to show your rich teaching experience and your confidence in the video. Take your time and do this part well. For most Chinese companies, you need to teach a demonstration class, they will look for TPR experience (if you don’t know this, you can watch some videos on YouTube)

The advantages of online teaching 

• Earn money to cover my bill during the Corona-virus pandemic
• Have new experience of teaching Chinese students
• Have more freedom to choose your working schedule

The disadvantage of online teaching

• Unstable work
• Long periods in front of the screen

Some teachers will not get used to teaching online because they are used to teach in the classroom, I can understand this. But online courses can also be fun as well and you will soon feel normal soon. If freedom is important to you, online teaching may be your choice. If you plan to switch careers, this is also a good thing. You can study when you need it, and then set the teaching time when there is no class.

When you teach a lot of online classes you end up spending a lot of time in front of the screen. You need to take breaks and don’t do 6 hours in a row like I used to. It is also important to start exercising more because you are not moving around as much as when you teach in a classroom. You need to be more disciplined in not checking Facebook or these things that distract you as you can end up wasting a lot of time. Get out and go for a walk!

 I hope that I gave you enough information to help you make your decision whether or not to become an ESL teacher online. It is not for everyone but if freedom is important to you it can be a good option and a great way to become your own boss and travel or live on that Caribbean island you have always dreamed of! Just check if they have good internet first!