Job Discussion Forums

[matthews_world]

I put this over on the Korean board and am looking for some guidance.

I wonder if anyone here has or is currently doing online teaching. I'm not talking about distance teaching from a classroom. Simply doing instrucition from the comfort of your own abode.

For example, if I were to start teaching online using a webcam, what kind of technology would I want to invest in, i.e. computer specs, internet speed, web space, online payment system, etc. What sort of equipment besides a computer, online access, cam and mic would I need?

Also, anyone have any online resources or books I should read that talk about this same subject?

No boss, no contracts, just self-employment.

I'm sure I'd need webspace to advertise and an advertising budget.

I'm currently in the U.S. so, for starters, I'd want to find about 8-12 students 3 hours per week from North and South America. Therefore, I would do students in the evenings in or around the same time zone. I do speak Spanish so their's a leg-in right there.

I'm also a TESOL grad student with experience in the U.S. and Korea so that would help money-wise.

Any help with technology information would be appreciated. I'm trying to find this information as I will be writing a grant for a grad class assignment.

[Guy Courchesne]

I think this a growing industry...but a lot of work needs to be done to bring the technical apsects around to any meaningful use.

I've been playing around with a webcast through a yahoo messenger chat room, though the context for me is to link ESL classes and not one-to-one teaching. the technology is basically the same though.

You'll most certainly need a high-speed connection. Whether it's one cam or two, if the camera is to be of any use, the faster the connection, the better. Same for audio, assuming you want to talk real time.

Netmeeting by Microsoft could be a good platform. Info here http://www.microsoft.com/windows/netmeeting/. I also found something you can integrate into a webpage, a video/audio chat server. Info here. http://www.feedbackchat.com/index.htm

If you don't have a website and a generous amount of bandwidth (streaming video/audio live can be costly!) then you'll probably benefit by using a chat program that supports video/audio link ups. Yahoo Messenger, MSN Messenger, or ICQ offer simple ways to do this.

For online payment, there is really online paypal.com that works on an international level, though it's not usable everywhere.

For South America, I think you'll have a very hard time finding willing participants. The Internet as a learning medium is not big here, though chatting online is huge. The technology needs to ctach up a bit before you can do what you are proposing. I am in Mexico trying to do similar work and keep running into tech barriers.

If you would like to do some platform testing, I'd be more than happy to help out. PM me so we can link up. I've been doing some broadcasting of our TEFL program and EFL classes. You'll only need yahoo messenger to start it out.

[Sekhmet]

On the same topic, does anyone have any idea how to get into teaching online? I'm a certified teacher, as well as having a Diploma and about 3 years experience, and I'd like to do something constructive with my spare time!
So far the only idea I've come up with is emailing companies with my resume, but there has to be an easier way!! Are there any websites for this kind of position?
Thanks guys

[matthews_world]

I imagine I'd spend a good $400 bucks for a domain. I'd give students an access key to all of their syllabi and homework.

Also, I'd want to get away from Yahoo or MSN webcam streaming into more professional software.

Payment systems aren't a problem.

Anyone know what kind of computer specs I'd need to set something like this up?

[Guy Courchesne]

On computer specs...

A webpage editor, some good java scripting if you want an upload option for homework, otherwise email works just fine.

Webspace with latest script, access to passowrding, Dbase, etc, etc. Look into the provider I sent you by PM. They can handle running foums such as Dave's, which is Dbase work, and they make it simple.

For a computer, a fast machine with a fast internet connection is all. Mac or XP is fine. Invest in a quality mic/headset if you want your students to hear and talk to you. The only piece left out is the platform...if MSN and Yahoo are out, you are going to be limited to one-to-one classes, no broadcasting, unless you shell out for Feedback (see link above).

[matthews_world]

Thanks for the info.

Yes, I only plan on doing one-on-one teaching.

The FeedBack chat looks like a great tool.

Now to get server space and a fast computer.

[burnsie]

A domain name doesn't cost $400. Generally you can get them for $10 to $50 a year depending on your name and extension. Do a google on domain registration and you will find heeps of stuff.

You could also set up your own discussion board like Dave's Cafe AND it's FREE if you know how to program. Go to www.phpbb.com for more info and download the bulletin board template.

You could also use www.skype.com for one-to-one discussion plus chat. Easy to download and use.

Hope that helps.

[ChinaMovieMagic]

Sekhmet asked about teaching on-line
GlobalEnglish has advertised on DAVE'S...pay $25 USD/hr for both audio and print on-line Communicators