So, you’ve either made the plunge or are thinking about jumping into the world of teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) online. While some may think that teaching online limits one’s ability to give an engaging class, with the development of digital tools for education, now is a better time than ever to teach English online.
This article will describe various tools for teaching English online to help make your classes engaging and effective, plus add a level of creativity and uniqueness that will amplify any lesson. Let’s dive in.
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What does teaching English online look like?
With the exponential growth of online education in the past six years, teaching English online has evolved in many different ways.
Some online English teachers give lessons through very structured platforms, like VIP Kid. These platforms generally have already developed a thorough curriculum, and it’s the teacher’s role to execute the lesson in an engaging and creative way.
Most platforms organise the teacher’s schedule and assignments, so the teacher focuses quite heavily on lesson execution, like having unique and interesting props, knowing precisely how to engage even the youngest learners, and meeting firm timing requirements.
Many other online English teachers give lessons either independently or semi-independently through platforms that provide scheduling and payment structure, but allow the teacher to set their own schedule and offer a range of class types. iTalki is one example of a platform that provides teachers with some support while still allowing them great flexibility in many aspects of their teaching business.
No matter which path or paths you’ve chosen, having certification, like TEFL certification from The TEFL Org, will either be required or boost your credibility as an instructor, plus give you valuable knowledge for you to teach your students effectively. TEFL certification provides English teachers with instruction about all aspects of teaching English, ranging from the technical knowledge of the language to how to effectively structure lessons. Certification is one way to communicate your credibility to both potential platforms and/or clients.
Why Digital Tools Are Important for Online English Teachers
Digital tools allow online English teachers to enhance their classrooms in ways that foster creativity, collaboration, and communication.
While teachers online are limited in some ways regarding how they teach compared to a teacher with a physical classroom, digital tools can allow teachers to work around those limitations and even teach in effective ways that might be difficult to do in a physical classroom.
Which digital tools are key for teaching English online?
The following tools range from classics that online teachers have been using for years to the unexpected that even a seasoned teacher might be surprised to see.
Tool 1: Video Conferencing Platforms
What: Online platforms facilitate video calls along with space for a typed chat between participants. Many platforms now also feature tools like whiteboards, recorded sessions, and AI summaries of the calls.
Examples: Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams
Who: Independent or semi-independent online teachers benefit greatly from these platforms, as they are key to holding face-to-face lessons. If you’re going solo in your online teaching career, having a thorough understanding of video conferencing platforms will set the foundation for solid classes.
Tips: Many platforms offer free versions, but with time limits. Check if your platform has a time limit before starting your classes so that you can keep classes running smoothly for longer than 30 minutes.
Tool 2: Word Processors and Slide Show Creators
What: These applications are the bread and butter of digital teaching. While many tools exist (like tools 3, 4, and 5) to add creativity and energy into digital information sharing, word processors and slide shows can feel simpler to use.
Examples: Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Docs, Google Slides
Who: Teachers who work semi-independently or independently can find great value in these tools to help prep lessons or create simple instructional materials. Some more structured platforms may require teachers to use slide shows, so knowing basic editing skills will be key for success for those instructors, too.
Tips: If you’re looking for an engaging low-tech lesson, load up a slide show with images of a few pieces of artwork and start the conversation from there.
Tool 3: Graphic Design and Photo Editing Platforms
What: These platforms allow teachers to create engaging and unique classroom materials either by editing photos or creating visual designs, like advertisements, reference materials, or worksheets.
Examples: Canva, Adobe Photoshop
Who: All online English teachers can benefit from these platforms. On a structured platform, these tools can help design beautiful pictures or designs to supplement lessons as props. Working independently or semi-independently? Make creative materials that you can reuse with multiple students, or make your own branding design to build your niche and attract a wider student base.
Tips: If you’ve never used these tools, platforms like Udemy offer (usually paid) courses for learning in-depth skills. For those looking to save, YouTube offers a variety of how-to videos walking through various photo editing and graphic design skills.
Tool 4: Collaboration Tools
What: These tools allow teachers to simulate active classroom activities digitally. Interactive slideshows add movement to lessons or practice; whiteboards give the ability for multiple users to add notes in an organised and visually appealing setting, which maximises learner participation.
Examples: Padlet, Jamboard
Who: These tools will likely be mostly useful for semi-independent or independent teachers, especially those who teach group classes and/or children (but all learners benefit from engaging activities!).
Tips: If you’re new to these tools, choose one to start with and take time to learn all the ins and outs of its features so as not to overwhelm yourself with all of its capabilities. Then think of ways you can integrate strategies learned from TEFL certification programs like The TEFL Org with the new tool.
Tool 5: Assessment Tools
What: These tools allow teachers to build creative and engaging assessments that quickly give them feedback on student understanding. They can be more visually appealing than a simple multiple-choice or fill-in-the-blank form and can inject energy into screen-based lessons, keeping student engagement high.
Examples: Kahoot, Wayground (formerly Quizizz)
Who: Teachers who work semi-independently or independently may find these tools very useful for creating enjoyable assessments. If you have a group class, creating a Kahoot that awards points based on both accuracy and speed can be a great way to build joy while checking for understanding.
Tips: Do a trial run with these programs with some family or friends before trying them in class to ensure that you know how to smooth over any bumps in explaining directions to language learners.
Tool 6: AI
What: These large language models (LLMs) are tools that can act like a brainstorming partner when creating materials for classes.
Examples: Chat GPT, Claude, Gemini
Who: All online teachers can use AI to help with material creation or brainstorming. Want an extra set of eyes to proofread your worksheet? Looking for some ideas to help explain gerunds to children? You can ask AI for help with both and more.
Tips: Although it is becoming less common, AI does hallucinate (make errors by giving faulty information). Be sure to double-check the work it produces to make sure it is clear and accurate enough to give to your students.
Digital Tools Make Teaching Easier
If you already teach English online, you are likely already familiar with at least some of these digital tools.
If you’re just getting started on your path to learning English, start by researching TEFL certification organisations like The TEFL Org in order to get a solid foundation as a reputable online teacher. Once you have the necessary training, start exploring the different options available to create memorable learning experiences.
These tools were built to enhance digital courses in terms of creativity and efficiency. That said, they may take time to learn. Go easy and start with the tool that sounds the most exciting or relevant to your current students, and dive in. Happy exploring!
