Today we teachers have 2 ways to teach English as a second language. Teaching face to face or using Skype.ย They are completely different teaching styles, but whatโs great is that you can benefit from both of them.
Using Skype you donโt have to leave your home and you have the opportunity to teach students from all over the world.
However, you might ask yourself: How to use Skype? Do I need to install any extras to my Skype account? And whatโs the difference between teaching ESL (English as a second language) online and in the cafe one-to-one? OK, letโs have a look.
First of all, installย Skypeย on your computer or mobile. It is free. Now youโre able to talk free to anyone who has Skype.
Donโt worry about it โ thatโs normal. Itโs hard enough to understand foreign English words even when you have a one-to-one lesson, let alone hundreds or thousands ofย kilometresย away.
Use the chat panel for writing down new words. Here you can also send and receive files. For example, texts for improving reading and comprehension skills. You can also send tests to assess your studentโs knowledge.
The difference between teaching ESL via Skype and one-to-one is that when teaching via Skype you have to pay more attention to your work and to your student. You might have to repeat more than usual and speak slower. Remember, itโs not the same as when you sit in front of your student. This is a technology which sometimes falters.
What about Skype tools? Which one can you install in your Skype account?
I tried some Skype Certified File Sharing tools which were created exactly for teachers.
First, I found โTalk and Write Tutoring Toolโ.
This is an interactive whiteboard, where teachers and students can open and see the same file. You can write notes, highlight texts, and more as you were face to face.
But then, 4 month later, I found, another powerful tool:ย IDroo
And what I like in IDroo โ itโs free and easy to use.
Letโs see pluses and minuses of teaching English online.
Pluses:
โข You teach English sitting at home
โข You have the opportunity to teach any nationality (Japanese, Russians, Spanish, etc.)
โข Every year there are more and more people who want to learn English online
Minuses:
โข Sometimes Skype connection problems
โข Teaching English via Skype isnโt the same as when you are with a real student.
Iโd love to hear from you.ย Do you use Skype for teaching English? What are your experiences?
[adrotate banner=โ1โณ]
[adrotate banner=โ2โณ]
