Job Discussion Forums

[SpanishFly]

Hello,
Can people tell me what they think about ESL lessons given via telephone/internet? Does anyone give or have these type of lessons? What are the pros? What are the cons? How will it develop over the years etc?
Thanks,
Rob.

[Glenski]

This gets asked about every 2 months lately.

http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/job/viewtopic.php?t=38618
http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/job/viewtopic.php?t=37726
http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/job/viewtopic.php?t=35927

One question I have for you is this -- are you planning to teach online to students in your own country? Consider time zone differences, how to collect your pay, whether you are familiar enough with the other culture to teach those students, how you are going to advertise, and exactly what your business plan is going to entail.

As for the last point, think of these specifics:
1. Where is the students' computer equipment going to come from? Will you sell the web cam and mike? Will there be Mac vs. PC differences that make transmissions difficult/impossible?

2. What software are you going to use? Skype? PowerPoint? Something for split screen?

3. Will your lessons be charged per hour, per lesson, or per month? How will you regulate how many students are in one class?

4. Will you do children's lessons? If so, who takes care of discipline and hardware on the other end? Can you communicate with that person?