Do you want to be TEFL or TESOL-certified and teach in DongmaquAn Zhen? Are you interested in teaching English in Tianjin? Check out ITTT’s online and in-class courses, Become certified to Teach English as a Foreign Language and start teaching English ONLINE or abroad! ITTT offers a wide variety of Online TEFL Courses and a great number of opportunities for English Teachers and for Teachers of English as a Second Language.
online tefl courses vs onsite TEFL courses online tefl Courses Versus Onsite TEFL Courses The goal of online and onsite TEFL courses is to make the participant the most effective and competent english language teacher possible. Three years ago, in 2008, there were already more than 300 million people trying to study english, indicating that there is a great demand for accredited teachers of english language and skills (Shringi). Knowing some of the strengths and shortcomings of the online and onsite courses may make choosing ones method of earning TESL certification an easier exercise. Both methods of certification are being compared in eight different areas; convenience, accessibility to course, time involvement, cost, in-classroom practice, access to staffing, communication, and teaching materials. 1. Convenience With online certification, all course components are completed online, reducing the need for textbooks and other resource materials (Online TEFL). Online studies offer a student a variety of certification courses that must be completed within a 6-month period. Students can adjust their learning program according to their personal needs and individual schedules (Shringi). Being a full-time employee would not prevent someone from taking a course as it can fit around ones life. (King) A variety of courses are offered onsite, but studies must be completed within a fixed time, usually a four-week period, and at a fixed, selected location. 2. Accessibility With online courses, the course comes to you, anytime, and anywhere you may be, providing computer and internet access are available (Online TEFL). Tutors, should your course provide for one, are accessible although, depending upon your location and that of your tutor, there may be a delay in communication (McNamara). Located at specific sites, many in wondrous worldwide-locations, onsite study provides a concentrated learning experience where students are in an intensive learning environment with teachers who can provide immediate feedback (Online vs. Onsite). 3. Time Involvement Online courses, with their 6-month length of duration, allow individuals to work at their own pace, providing a great deal of flexibility (McNamara). Students may spend more time on difficult units if it is needed. With a fixed, four-week limit, onsite courses provide controlled and organized learning environments, supervised by experienced trainers (McNamara). 4. Price Online courses are more affordable. They are cost effective ways of earning a TESL qualification. There are neither travel nor accommodation costs involved with online courses (King). Unless one is living in proximity to one of the learning sites, onsite courses are more costly as travel to and from the learning sites and accommodations are added to the cost of the course. 5. Classroom Practice No classroom practice is available with online courses. While this will present no problem to an experienced teacher, it could pose a serious challenge for the inexperienced teacher. At the onsite setting, students have the opportunity to practice as teachers, using what they are taught, in classrooms similar to what they will have as teachers (McNamara). 6. Access to Staffing Both online and onsite staff are experienced trainers who work well with their pupils. Location and time differences may cause a delay in communication with online courses; however, onsite courses provide immediate communication or troubleshooting (McNamara). 7. Communication Due to location and time differences, communication, while thorough, may be delayed. (McNamara) Onsite teachers can see skills and talents and can work with students immediately (Online vs. Onsite). 8. Teaching materials Due to the nature of the materials being made available by email, while all materials are provided, they are not as numerous as those that would be available onsite where a larger collection of teaching and resource materials would be accessible for use. The final decision to choose either an online or onsite course will depend on the specific needs and constraints of the individual as each option has much to offer. What is reassuring, and what must be kept in mind, is that both options are taught by experienced professionals who have made the information necessary to be successful available and accessible for ones consideration. Being immersed in a comprehensive onsite environment in an exotic foreign land is invaluable; however, for those who lead harried lives and for whom onsite study is not an option, online study is a deliverance.
