Job Discussion Forums

[daodejing]

I've searched a few forums and have not found the answer I'm looking for. I've seen references to people obtaining TEFL certificates online, and I think I'm interested in doing this. A few questions:

Will a TEFL certificate earned online significantly help me secure a job or a better-paying job? I will possibly be looking for a job in Shanghai in 2 months; I'm American; I have a bachelor's degree; and I have been to China before and can speak Chinese.

I'm guessing an online course would not help my teaching skills as much as a real live course, but will it help some? I've never taught before and I'd like to have some kind of good, formal training and idea of what to do if I get in front of a class for the first time.

Can anyone recommend a good website to take a course and obtain a certficate?

Thanks in advance for your help.