I have been teaching English online since 2008 and producing online teaching materials as well. In the autumn of 2015, I started as a Promentor trainer at Espoo Adult Education Centre for a customer service English online course. The course is part of Espoo Adult Education Centre's offering, using Promentor's online material. During our weekly online sessions, we catch up, discuss current topics, and practice pronunciation.
Online courses have many great aspects. Studying and teaching are possible from anywhere. All that is needed is an internet connection to speak and listen. Video connection is nice but not strictly necessary. Special technical skills are not required. Occasionally technical challenges may arise, but equipment and connections are constantly improving, as are learning platforms.
Usually, online courses utilize web-based learning materials. If you are not used to using them, now is a good time to learn. Compared to textbooks, keeping them up to date is fast. In addition to listening exercises, the easy ability to record one's own speech supports the development of oral language skills and facilitates self-assessment, which is an important part of learning. Live lessons also add teacher guidance, support, and feedback.
In a virtual classroom, discussion tasks can be done as a group, in pairs, or briefly even just with the teacher. During exercises, a student can easily be moved from one small group to another to chat with multiple classmates, rather than always physically sitting next to the same person. Although studying with a familiar and safe classmate is wonderful, it does not necessarily always advance both parties' language skills in the same way.
Handling work tasks, hobbies (e.g., gaming), and maintaining friendships and family relationships online are both the present and the future. Digital communication requires good and slightly different interaction skills than face-to-face conversations, because one's personality must come through mainly via voice and/or (facial) video. The need for clarity in communication also feels more pronounced. Digital courses are great for training these skills in any language.
Welcome aboard!
Heli Viitanen, English Teacher
