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envee
Joined: 16 Jan 2012
Posts: 6
Location: Canada
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 Posted: Tue Jan 17, 2012 3:38 am Post subject: Ontesol (or other online programs) - legit? |
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I apologize if this has already been asked in another post or forum...
I'm brand new to TESOL, a recent university graduate in Canada, looking for a reputable and accredited (preferably by TESL Canada) TESOL diploma program. Due to a number of circumstances, it would be best for me to do an online/distance program that I can start any time and complete within a year. I can still do the program full-time though, and would like to do a practical component as well. I understand most online programs are either not accredited or not legitimate, and most schools prefer teachers coming from in-class training programs, but if anyone can recommend an online or distance one instead, that would be great. I've looked at Ontesol www.ontesol.com many times, but can't seem to find anyone who has taken a program there or has an opinion on it...
Thank you!!! |
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smithrn1983
Joined: 23 Jul 2010
Posts: 320
Location: Moscow
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| Posted: Tue Jan 17, 2012 8:25 am Post subject: |
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| In general online and distance tefl certificates aren't worth the paper they're written on. the standard qualification for any job is 120 hours on-site with 6+ hours of teaching experience to real students. Don't take any courses where you teach the other trainees. You need real English learners to help you get a feel for things. |
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tttompatz
Joined: 06 Mar 2010
Posts: 1951
Location: Talibon, Bohol, Philippines
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| Posted: Tue Jan 17, 2012 10:16 am Post subject: Re: Ontesol (or other online programs) - legit? |
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| envee wrote: |
I apologize if this has already been asked in another post or forum...
I'm brand new to TESOL, a recent university graduate in Canada, looking for a reputable and accredited (preferably by TESL Canada) TESOL diploma program. Due to a number of circumstances, it would be best for me to do an online/distance program that I can start any time and complete within a year. I can still do the program full-time though, and would like to do a practical component as well. I understand most online programs are either not accredited or not legitimate, and most schools prefer teachers coming from in-class training programs, but if anyone can recommend an online or distance one instead, that would be great. I've looked at Ontesol www.ontesol.com many times, but can't seem to find anyone who has taken a program there or has an opinion on it...
Thank you!!! |
TESOL Canada has a list. If they are not on the list AND/or you are not headed for Asia then save your money.
On-line (or most other TESOL programs) are NOT diplomas, they are 30 day certificate courses.
If you are headed for Asia it won't matter what cert you get. Your degree is the important thing (immigration/visa requirement).
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AGoodStory
Joined: 26 Feb 2010
Posts: 738
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| Posted: Tue Jan 17, 2012 1:34 pm Post subject: Re: Ontesol (or other online programs) - legit? |
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| envee wrote: |
I apologize if this has already been asked in another post or forum...
I'm brand new to TESOL, a recent university graduate in Canada, looking for a reputable and accredited (preferably by TESL Canada) TESOL diploma program. Due to a number of circumstances, it would be best for me to do an online/distance program that I can start any time and complete within a year. I can still do the program full-time though, and would like to do a practical component as well. I understand most online programs are either not accredited or not legitimate, and most schools prefer teachers coming from in-class training programs, but if anyone can recommend an online or distance one instead, that would be great. I've looked at Ontesol www.ontesol.com many times, but can't seem to find anyone who has taken a program there or has an opinion on it...
Thank you!!! |
The Ontesol program is accredited by TESL Canada at Level 2:
http://www.tesl.ca/Secondary_Navigation/TESL_Canada_Recognized_Teacher_Training_Programs/Recognized_Teacher_Training_Programs.htm#ON
My university is currently assessing on-line cert programs, and Ontesol is one of a very few that have not yet been eliminated from the study. (Not the same as recommending the program, I realize, but the assessment project is still ongoing.) It does suggest that Ontesol is viewed as better than approximately 22 other programs which have to date not made the cut. This assumes completion of the 20-hour on-site practicum.
A poster named Chancellor has completed the Ontesol program, and speaks well of it, as I recall. You might PM her when you have enough posts.
Of course, this does not address the question of whether an on-line cert will be a useful qualification to you, but you seem to have a grasp of the whole on-site vs. on-line issue. |
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envee
Joined: 16 Jan 2012
Posts: 6
Location: Canada
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| Posted: Tue Jan 17, 2012 9:10 pm Post subject: |
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Just some more info:
Ontesol is accredited by TESL Canada at Level 2 (the highest being Level 3, only achievable with an MA in TESOL or Linguistics) and ACTDEC at Level 3. It is a 250 hour diploma program with a stand-alone 20 hour practicum to be organized by the school and student in a real ESL classroom.
I realize this still may not make it worthwhile...
Appreciate the info and views so far! |
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AGoodStory
Joined: 26 Feb 2010
Posts: 738
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| Posted: Tue Jan 17, 2012 9:30 pm Post subject: |
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| envee wrote: |
Just some more info:
Ontesol is accredited by TESL Canada at Level 2 (the highest being Level 3, only achievable with an MA in TESOL or Linguistics) and ACTDEC at Level 3. It is a 250 hour diploma program with a stand-alone 20 hour practicum to be organized by the school and student in a real ESL classroom.
I realize this still may not make it worthwhile...
Appreciate the info and views so far! |
You should be aware that these are two entirely different types of accreditation. ACTDEC accreditation is for all practical purposes meaningless. Nobody pays attention to it, and nobody cares. TESL Canada accreditation is different--it is something to pay attention to, particularly if you plan to ever work in Canada. Many jobs will require TESL Canada certification at one level or another, particularly government ESL programs. But programs such as LINC are being drastically cut by all accounts. Reports of the TESL employment situation in Canada sound grim. |
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envee
Joined: 16 Jan 2012
Posts: 6
Location: Canada
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| Posted: Tue Jan 17, 2012 10:05 pm Post subject: |
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| Good to know. Is there 'anyone' a program should be accredited by? Is there an accreditation I should look for in programs to ensure their legitimacy and international recognition? |
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