Have you ever wondered what it would be like to teach English abroad? And what is TESOL? How do you get into it? TESOL is the acronym for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages). It is also known as TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) or teaching ESL (English as a Second Language). Regardless of its name, this is an industry that keeps evolving as the times change.
TESOL and Technology
In the early stages, technology in TEFL primarily involved the use of language learning software, multimedia CD-ROMs, and early online resources. Over time, advancements in technology led to the development of more sophisticated tools and platforms such as interactive websites, online courses, virtual classrooms, educational apps, and language learning software.
Today, technology offers diverse opportunities for language learners and teachers in industries such as TESOL and beyond. It facilitates distance learning, provides access to authentic language materials, offers interactive learning experiences, enables communication and collaboration among learners, and supports language assessment and feedback processes.
With the continuous progress of technology, the integration of digital tools and resources in TEFL is expected to further evolve and expand in the future.
Getting into TESOL
The first step of getting into teaching English as a foreign language abroad or online is to get certified. Relying solely on your ability to speak English fluently to find a teaching job is no longer an option.
Employers all over the world – including online companies – have become very selective and have strict requirements for their job applicants. While not having a degree can limit your options, in most cases it is not a deal-breaker. On the other hand, holding a 120-hour TEFL certificate awarded by an accredited provider is crucial: it prepares you for the job on an academic and interpersonal level as well as increasing your chances of getting hired.
Typically, a TEFL/TESOL course gives an overview of the English language and its varieties and exposes you to methodologies and techniques of modern TEFL settings. The course topics range from language awareness to pronunciation, from teaching skills to building engaging and effective lessons.
Finally, a reputable course provider should guide you during your first job search and application process.
Can technology open TESOL doors for you?
Online teaching is one way in which technology can help you build your career as an independent TESOL teacher.
Teaching English online provides the flexibility to determine your own schedule, location, and workload. It also allows you to find and specialise in a niche of your choice. As a TEFL instructor, you have the autonomy to select the age group you prefer to teach, such as children or adults, and the type of course you wish to offer, whether it’s exam preparation, general English, or business English.
Offering your teaching services to existing online educational platforms as freelance instructors is the most straightforward way to get into online TESOL. The main advantage of this is that you won’t have to rack your brain with administrative and legal aspects of running a business, leaving you free to give your undivided attention to your teaching.
The process of finding your students is streamlined – the platform matches you to your students depending on your criteria of preference. Different online schools have varying requirements and offer different benefits, so check which online school is best for you. For example:
- Lingoda provides comprehensive lesson materials and peer-to-peer support, making it easy for even newly certified TEFL teachers to transition smoothly into their teaching roles. With Lingoda, you can choose to teach other languages as well as or instead of English.
- Cambly focuses on conversational English, where registered students are already able to communicate in English to a certain extent. This is ideal if you don’t feel comfortable teaching beginner classes.
- Do you want to have a go at teaching online but don’t fancy teaching English? No problem! LatinHire allows you to teach a wide range of school and university subjects to students from Latin American countries.
Advantages of using technology in TESOL
Whether you are teaching online or in a classroom-based setting, technology can be beneficial for both language learners and educators:
New technologies can be used to monitor students’ progress in real time, collecting data on their performance and areas of difficulty. Teachers analyse this data to identify strengths and weaknesses, providing customized feedback and support to enhance the learning process and address learning gaps effectively.
Technology can help you prepare customized lesson plans, learning materials and resources aligned with students’ learning goals, interests, and proficiency levels. This personalized approach enables learners to focus on areas that need improvement. As a teacher, you can take advantage of these technologies to draw up individualized learning plans for each student, assigning activities and lessons accordingly.
Furthermore, incorporating interactive and gamified elements makes learning engaging and enjoyable, motivating students to actively participate in their learning journey.
With technology, you can optimize instructional time and resources, as demonstrated in the Flipped Classroom Approach. Teachers can assign adaptive online activities as pre-class assignments, freeing up in-class time for interactive and collaborative activities.
Is a TESOL certification worth it?
Definitely! A TESOL certification can boost your career whether you are new to TESOL or a seasoned teacher. From an employer’s point of view, as a TESOL-certified teacher, you will stand out as a motivated and dedicated candidate, who has prepared for the role. From your students’ perspective – classroom-based or online, a TESOL certification gives you the knowledge and the skills to deliver engaging and effective lessons. For your own benefit, a TESOL certificate enables you to stand in front of your students with confidence and professionalism. Pertinent use of technology, in combination with the knowledge gained during a TESOL course, can give you endless opportunities for a successful career teaching English as a foreign language.
