Overview: Teaching English On the Internet

OVERVIEW | Overview: Online English Tutoring | Why Become an Online English Tutor? |

FINDING STUDENTS | The International Market for Teaching English Online | Where to Find Your ESL Students |

Overview: Tutoring Online English

Learning English on the internet is becoming becoming a popular option for many EFL/ESL students around the world. According to the British Council, over one billion people throughout the world will be studying English as a Second language by the year 2000. With an estimated 750 million people now using English as a Second Language to communicate, more and more ESL learners now focus on learning English for specific applications or purposes. Furthermore, as at December 2005, an estimated 1.018 billion people worldwide now have access to the internet. As English becomes the more dominant world language and internet communication improves, the demand for one-on-one private online English tutoring will be a growing demand as an alternative way to learn English.

Becoming an Online English Tutor

As communication tools such as VOIP continue to develop, more and more foreign students are turning to internet based, English classes. Live online classes are usually taught by English speakers (although other languages are taught, English is by far the most popular language among online learners). Online English teachers usually work directly from home, using little more than an instant messaging program, a headset with a microphone and a computer hooked up to the internet. Online teachers range from professional English teachers with a formal degree in education, to simple house wives and college students working to earn extra cash.

Most ESL learners need help with oral and written English, in both social and business settings. You don't need a degree in education in order to become an online English teacher, many foreign students are happy to just be practicing their conversational English with a native speaker. However, it helps if you have lots of patience and the desire to help others develop their communication skills.

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