What you need to be an online ESL teacher?
- Good command in English. Having a good command in English means you have the ability to use the language correctly, fluently, and confidently in all four domains of language – reading, writing, listening, and speaking. You must also know not only how to apply the English grammar rules but also how to explain them to students. Depending on the purpose of ESL learners, some might actually be too absorbed in the rules of grammar and sentence structures. As an ESL teacher, you are expected to be able to answer the questions of your students in the simplest way possible. You may not be a teacher by profession but if you really have a good grasp of the English language, you should be able to explain the basics of the English grammar.
- Stable internet connection. A wired DSL connection is the most ideal connection to have if you want to teach online. Considering how slow and intermittent the internet connection is in the the country, a wired DSL connection is the best way to go. If you can go FIBR, the better. The most recommended ISP (Internet Service Provider) is PLDT because it is the most stable one, but it is also always best to have a back up. Having a stable internet connection is key to having high sound quality so your students can hear you clearly all throughout the lesson period.
- PC, headset, and webcam. These are the only electronic devices you’ll ever need in teaching ESL online. No need to print materials because all the materials are also online. Get a laptop with the latest specifications. Invest in a good headset with a noise-canceling feature and high resolution web camera, though not all online schools require this.
- Skype account. If you don’t have one yet, please create an account here. Lessons are conducted online via Skype. Some online schools use other VOIPs, such as QQ (mostly for Chinese clients), but Skype is the most popular, if not the most preferred one.
- Good navigation skills. Since lessons are conducted online, you’ve got to have good navigation skills. This, of course, includes navigating through the features of Skype or any VOIPs you are using and navigating through different browsers and browser tabs that you may need while conducting your lessons.
- Resources and resourcefulness. Knowing how and where to find information that you need will get you far in your ESL job. Technical problems may arise while conducting a lesson, so it would help a lot if you know how to do basic troubleshooting. If not, that is understandable, but definitely not acceptable if you do not know where to get information that may help you troubleshoot such problems. Lessons and references are already usually provided by online schools but having other resources/references will also help you a lot in conducting your lessons. During a lesson, students can also surprise you with questions that you have no idea about but you are expected to be quick and ready to search it through.
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