Do Online English Teaching Platforms Offer Training or Resources?

 When it comes to becoming an online English teacher, especially if you’re just starting, one of the most common questions that arises is whether online teaching platforms provide training or resources to help teachers succeed. The good news is that many platforms do offer various types of support, training programs, and educational materials to ensure that their teachers are well-equipped to provide high-quality instruction. This support can range from basic guidance on teaching strategies to comprehensive courses and ongoing professional development.

In this blog, we’ll explore the types of training and resources available through online English teaching platforms and how they can help you improve your teaching skills, manage your students, and ultimately enhance your teaching career.

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1. Training and Resources Provided by Online English Teaching Platforms

While every platform operates differently, many online English teaching companies offer various forms of support to help teachers succeed. Let’s break down the most common types of training and resources you might find:

1.1 Initial Onboarding and Training Programs

When you first join a teaching platform, most companies provide an onboarding process that includes a training program. These programs are designed to help you understand the platform's teaching system, its guidelines, and the tools you’ll be using to teach your students. The training also familiarizes you with the expectations for teachers, which can range from lesson delivery standards to technical requirements.

• VIPKid: As one of the most popular platforms for teaching English to children in China, VIPKid provides a structured training process for new teachers. This includes an initial video training session where you learn the basics of teaching online, as well as mock classes that allow you to practice delivering lessons. VIPKid’s onboarding program is designed to help teachers understand the platform's curriculum and teach efficiently in a virtual environment.

• Qkids: Another platform catering to young learners in China, Qkids offers teachers a clear onboarding process that includes video tutorials and live training sessions. Teachers are given detailed guidance on how to teach classes in an engaging and interactive way, focusing on using props, TPR (Total Physical Response), and keeping children’s attention during lessons.

• Italki: Italki is a platform where teachers set their own rates and create their own lesson plans, so the initial training is generally less structured compared to other platforms. However, Italki provides teachers with resources such as a community forum and webinars where you can learn from more experienced teachers, refine your teaching methods, and understand how to better engage with students.

1.2 Ongoing Professional Development

Once you’re teaching, the learning doesn’t stop. Many online platforms provide continuous training and professional development opportunities to help you enhance your teaching skills and stay up to date with industry trends.

• Ongoing Workshops and Webinars: Platforms like Cambly and Italki often host regular workshops and webinars to help teachers learn new teaching strategies, stay updated on best practices, and improve specific teaching skills like pronunciation correction or grammar explanations. These sessions are usually available for free or for a minimal fee and are often led by experienced educators or industry experts.

• Teacher Feedback and Support: Platforms often offer ongoing support through feedback and mentoring. For example, platforms like VIPKid and Preply provide teachers with feedback from students and mentors. This feedback is crucial for teachers to improve their teaching methods, understand student needs, and continually grow in their profession.

• Professional Certifications: Some platforms also offer opportunities for teachers to earn additional certifications or credentials that can improve their qualifications and potentially increase their pay rate. Italki, for example, offers a “Teacher Training Program,” where you can receive a certification after completing a series of educational modules. Cambly also offers access to free training courses that help teachers refine their teaching skills, including tips on teaching English for specific purposes like business or academic English.

1.3 Lesson Materials and Curriculum Support

One of the benefits of working with an online English teaching platform is that many of them offer pre-designed lesson plans, teaching materials, and curriculum support. This can make the job easier, particularly for those who are new to teaching or don’t want to spend too much time developing lesson plans themselves.

• Pre-designed Curriculum: Platforms like VIPKid and Qkids offer teachers a structured curriculum with pre-designed lessons that guide you through the teaching process. These lessons include detailed instructions, recommended activities, and slides that you can share with your students. Teachers are still encouraged to add their personal touch, but having a well-organized curriculum can save time and ensure consistency in teaching.

• Lesson Materials: Platforms such as Preply and Italki give teachers more autonomy in creating lesson plans, but they still provide access to resources like textbooks, worksheets, and interactive exercises that can be used during classes. Some platforms also provide access to educational games, flashcards, or videos that teachers can integrate into their lessons to make them more engaging.

• Resource Libraries: Platforms like GoGoKid and Cambly offer extensive libraries of lesson materials and supplementary resources that teachers can access at any time. This includes templates for creating your own lessons, grammar and vocabulary guides, and activity ideas to keep lessons fun and interactive.

1.4 Teaching Tools and Technology Support

In addition to teaching materials, online platforms typically offer tools and technology support to ensure teachers can deliver lessons smoothly. These tools are critical for maintaining a professional and engaging teaching environment.

• Video Conferencing Tools: Platforms like VIPKid and Qkids provide a proprietary video conferencing system with features that enhance the teaching experience. These platforms often include interactive tools like a whiteboard, screen sharing, and annotation features that make lessons more engaging for students. Having access to these features allows you to create an interactive and dynamic classroom environment.

• Technical Support: Technical issues can arise while teaching online, so platforms usually offer customer service and technical support to help resolve any issues. Whether it’s dealing with connection problems, troubleshooting video or audio issues, or fixing minor glitches, platforms like Italki and Preply have dedicated teams that provide support to teachers.

• Lesson Management Tools: Many platforms provide teachers with lesson management tools to track their students’ progress, schedule future lessons, and maintain communication. For instance, Preply allows teachers to track a student’s learning path and suggest personalized resources for each student.

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2. How to Make the Most of the Training and Resources

While it’s clear that many online English teaching platforms offer substantial training and resources, it’s important to maximize these opportunities to boost your skills and increase your earnings potential. Here are some tips on how to get the most out of the training provided:

2.1 Participate in Webinars and Workshops

Always take advantage of free webinars or workshops offered by the platform. These events provide you with valuable insights into teaching strategies, handling different student personalities, and using the platform’s tools effectively. Attending these sessions will not only improve your teaching skills but also show your commitment to professional development.

2.2 Utilize the Curriculum and Materials

When you first start, take full advantage of the pre-designed curriculum and lesson materials offered by the platform. They can save you time and help you get accustomed to the teaching style expected on that platform. As you gain more experience, you can adapt these materials to fit your own teaching style and the specific needs of your students.

2.3 Engage with Fellow Teachers

Platforms like Italki and Preply often have communities where teachers can exchange ideas, ask questions, and share experiences. Joining these communities can help you learn new teaching techniques, gain insights into student behavior, and improve your teaching methods. Networking with other teachers can also lead to collaboration opportunities.

2.4 Seek Feedback and Reflect on Your Teaching

Request regular feedback from both students and mentors. This feedback is invaluable for identifying areas where you can improve. Reflecting on your lessons and continuously adjusting your teaching style will ensure that you remain effective and engaged with your students.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, online English teaching platforms offer a wealth of training, resources, and support to help teachers succeed. From initial onboarding and structured training programs to ongoing professional development and lesson materials, these platforms are dedicated to helping teachers improve their skills and provide high-quality instruction to students. By utilizing these resources effectively, you can enhance your teaching abilities, engage your students more effectively, and ultimately build a successful career as an online English teacher. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced educator, the right platform can provide the support you need to grow in your profession.