5 Advantages and 5 Disadvantages to Teaching Online

This week on the Art of Business English we will be looking at online teaching and the things you should consider before you dive into this space. 

The online learning space is set to explode in the coming years and if you have ever wanted to start your own online business or a side project then teaching a language online is a rewarding and great option. 

So you learn from our experience, today Loic and I will provide you with the 5 advantages and disadvantages to teaching online. 

Watch the episode here

5 Advantages to teaching online

Flexibility

Online learning is very flexible for both students and teachers, it allows students to set their own learning pace, times and schedules. 

It also gives teachers the opportunity to create a customised work schedule that they can work around their private life or a second job. 

Wide Selection of Programmes

Secondly, we have the option to develop a wide variety of specialised or niche programmes for our students. We can create week long programmes, or small group coaching programmes on an infinite number of topics. 

Once you learn how to teach online you can brand out into coaching and specialist programmes based on your previous work experience. 

Furthermore, we can deliver these programmes to people from across the globe, both through live sessions or pre-recorded lessons. 

Accessible

Due to the nature of online classes we are no longer restricted to learning from a teacher in a physical location. 

In addition, your students can connect with you when they are away on business. You can coach them through a demanding presentation while they are on a trip. 

Mobile technology and high-speed internet has provided us with the ability to connect from a number of devices. Whether that be a mobile phone, laptop computer, desktop computer or tablet. 

Customization of learning experience

Fourthly, we are now much better able to customize the learning experience for our students using all of the tools available. 

Online learning is synonymous with smaller class sizes, this means that we are better able to develop material and classes that are focused squarely on meeting the specific learning objectives of our students. 

Cost-effective

Finally, our last advantage is that the barrier to starting out as an online teacher is now very low. All you need is a laptop or mobile and a decent internet connection. 

Gone are the days of needing to invest in a brick and mortar business, or spending precious time and money travelling around the city going from class to class in order to make a decent salary. 

For the student too, now they are able to gain access to a large number of online teachers and pay competitive hourly rates.

5 Disadvantages to teaching online

Very competitive

The online language teaching space is huge, which means there are a lot of teachers out there looking for clients.

You will need to set yourself apart from the rest of the teachers out there. 

Technical barriers

The second disadvantage to teaching online is that there is a learning curve. You will need to become a proficient user of a number of different video conferencing software.

Additionally, if you decide to break out into the online course development, then you are going to need to make sure that you understand how to develop video lessons, lighting for videos and screen recording software amongst others.

Teachers are not always good markets

Getting clients can be a challenge and selling your online programme, eBook or course can be even harder when you are a nobody on the web.

You can overcome the challenge of being a nobody by using paid advertising or online marketing strategies. These all have their own challenges and learning curves. 

Difficult to find students in the beginning

Fourthly, you will find it may be tough in the beginning to get your first client. This can be compounded by a lack of marketing knowledge or not knowing where to start looking. 

Requires a change in teaching style

Finally, if you have been teaching in a traditional classroom environment then you are going to have to adapt your teaching style to the online class environment. 

To be an effective online trainer, you need to put yourself in the shoes of your students and see everything from their perspective. This can sometimes be tough for teachers who haven't considered this shift. 

Final thoughts

Teaching online can be one of the most rewarding and beneficial experiences of your life. It can lead to you starting your own online business and allow you to work for yourself or create your own side project. 

Next week we will show you how you can adapt to teaching online if you have decided to take the step and dive into this world.

If you want a fast track method and a step-by-step process that takes you from zero to your first students then enrol in my course "How to teach languages online" below. This is the complete programme designed by me from all of my years of experience to get you teaching online in no time.