Posted on June 30, 2022 by qtxWwRqcuT
How to Teach English Online with Skype
Looking to teach English online? First you'll need to learn how to use the systems that come with it!
If you’re googling how to use Skype for teaching English online, chances are you’re looking into freelance teaching and starting out on your own. There are lots to sort out and many decisions to make, but you’re ready to do it for yourself – well done you! Your list is endless, but hopefully, we can make your journey a little easier. Let us tell you that you’ve made a great choice with Skype!
Skype may seem like old software and you may feel like it’s outdated, but there are huge benefits to working with Skype. Here are a few of our favorites:
With every software brings its limitations – and Skype does a couple you should be aware of:
Before setting up your Skype classes, you’ll need to make sure you have a good internet connection, a webcam or front-facing camera, a clean, well-lit background, and a good microphone. Some online companies that hire freelance teachers will give minimum requirements for this such as internet strength. You can run a strength test easily online.
Once you have a good working environment, it’s time to set up your Skype and getting ready to teach English online. At this point, before you do, think about the email you want behind the account. A good idea is to have a separate email as a teacher and use this one for your Skype. Think about how you’d like the email to display. Once you’ve made a decision on this, set up your account.
Have your account all set up? Great! But what now? Take a look around and get used to your new account. Change your profile picture and make it your own by personalizing the settings. After you’re happy, it’s time to add some contacts. You can do this by searching their Skype name or ID on the left-hand side of the screen. If you’re not sure or can’t find them, you can also click your profile and get a sharable link for people to add you.
There are lots of cool features with Skype, such as making groups, video calling, audio calling, screen sharing, file sharing, messaging memory, and hundreds of fun emojis to choose from! Skype also has a great support system with lots of articles on how to get the best out of Skype, so make sure that you take full advantage.
There are a lot of differences between teaching English online and teaching in the classroom. There are some skills that you might not learn if you’ve only ever been in a classroom up until now. For online teaching, you’ll need to put a lot more effort into keeping students engaged and how to make do with virtual whiteboards and digital Realia. You may also need to be flexible with the time slotted in for technical issues and be a little more accommodating. Your face and hands need to be more expressive. You’ll need to talk even clearer and slower when teaching online.
These are just a few tips for teaching English online in general. To learn more about this, try our 30-hour Teaching English Online Course today! The link is in the description at the top of the page.