A Beginner's Guide to Online English Teaching

With over 

 people learning the English language worldwide, online English teaching jobs have become in-demand in the past decade. With the Internet, English teaching has also become one of the most popular ways to earn online.

If you are interested in teaching English online, you probably have a few questions in mind, especially if you’re not familiar with the industry. Before you apply to be an online English teacher, here’s a quick guide to answer some major questions you might have.

What are EFL and ESL?

You most likely have seen or heard the acronyms EFL and ESL since they’re mentioned often in online English teaching jobs. However, what do these terms mean, and which one should you be using?

EFL stands for “English as a Foreign Language,” and it refers to the English language education for foreign students studying within their non-English speaking country. On the other hand, ESL means "English as a Second Language,” and it refers to students studying the language in English-speaking countries such as the USA, the UK, and Australia.

Since online English teaching usually involves teaching learners in non-English speaking countries such as China, Japan, and Korea, the correct term to use is online EFL teaching. Familiarize yourself with the industry terminology as you prepare to launch your online English teaching journey.

If you don’t know where to start, here’s a 

 to learn more about EFL teaching.

Who can teach English online?

Most EFL teaching opportunities require TEFL or TESOL certification, plus a four-year degree in any field, and teaching experience. If you lack any of these, don’t be discouraged. Some home-based online teaching platforms provide learning opportunities for educators and professionals to equip you as online EFL teachers. For example, 51Talk offers EFL training sessions and teaching certification for free to all its teachers on the platform. Anyone willing to be trained can find success in online English teaching.

What are the technical requirements for teaching English online?

Since you will be teaching online, you need to prepare the right computer setup and equipment to teach effectively and efficiently. The basic technical requirements are a well-functioning computer or laptop, HD external or integrated camera, headset with noise-canceling  microphone, and reliable Internet connection. 

For the detailed specifications that you need, here are 51Talk’s technical requirements for reference:

-A desktop or laptop

-Operating System: Mac or Windows 7 or above

-CPU: Intel Core i3 6th gen and above / i5 to i7 4th gen and above / AMD A-Series A8-7500 and above / AMD Ryzen

-Memory: At least 4GB of RAM with a minimum of 100GB free hard disk space available

-A headset with an extended microphone and noise-canceling features

-An HD external or integrated webcam with at least 720p resolution

-A wired DSL Internet connection of at least 5 Mbps (Using LTE, USB sticks, or wireless Internet connections is not allowed.)

You can find these specs in most computers or laptops nowadays, so fulfilling these requirements will be easy.

Are there other requirements or equipment needed?

Besides the technical requirements, you need to prepare your teaching space. Ideally, set up a quiet, clutter-free, and well-lit space with a plain white background. Don’t forget to prepare teaching aids such as stuffed toys and flash cards to make lessons more fun and memorable for your students.

Over time, you may also want to invest in additional equipment for teaching. For example, using a ring light gives the best lighting that helps your students see you better during lessons. For laptop users, use a laptop stand while teaching to help adjust your camera and avoid desk hunch.

How do you become an online English teacher?

Besides the technical requirements, you need to prepare your teaching space. Ideally, set up a quiet, clutter-free, and well-lit space with a plain white background. Don’t forget to prepare teaching aids such as stuffed toys and flash cards to make lessons more fun and memorable for your students.

Over time, you may also want to invest in additional equipment for teaching. For example, using a ring light gives the best lighting that helps your students see you better during lessons. For laptop users, use a laptop stand while teaching to help adjust your camera and avoid desk hunch.

How do you become an online English teacher?

While English language competency is important, EFL teaching platforms also look for teachers with professionalism and enthusiasm. Some qualified candidates don’t make the cut because they fail in their approach when teaching. Remember that teaching in a fun and effective way also plays a vital role in becoming a successful online English teacher.

If you’re interested in teaching English online, 51Talk opens its platform to all educators and professionals who would like to teach and earn at home. Start your online English teaching journey with 51Talk today!