Online teaching has taken off since the COVID19 pandemic and opened up great opportunities for those who don’t like to be pinned down to one place. Online teachers have tools that on site teachers can never have, making teaching certain topics easier and making classes more interesting. Many might think working online is very isolating, but that is a misconception, the modern workplace is no longer limited to an office space. Perhaps the biggest advantage of working remotely is the freedom granted to you to travel and live where you would like while still earning an income. Teaching online has its benefits and in our changing world it has become a real option for those who crave adventure, but also need to earn an income while they realize their dream.
Getting TEFL Certified Online
Personally, I completed my TEFL certification online with Maximo Nivel. Online teaching is a different beast, the software used and the way we interact with students is completely different from a traditional classroom. The TEFL course helped me to navigate and effectively use the technology to maximize my ability to help my students. During the online TEFL course I was able to gain insight into how my students would experience a virtual class. The course was taught in a way that I didn’t even realize I was being taught, at the end of each day I would think to myself “Did they just trick me into learning stuff??”. The course did not only prepare me to be the best teacher I can be, but also how to deal with the challenges faced by an online teacher.
Teaching with the help of technology
Working as an online teacher has great advantages that are not available to teachers working in a traditional classroom. In my virtual classroom I have access to the internet, and it makes teaching vocabulary a breeze, I can provide my students with pictures or videos instead of depending on my ability as an artist by drawing pictures of the word on the board in class as I would have needed to in a traditional class. Preparing classes in advance is a fantastic advantage. I can have a whole week of classes prepared with templates for the work we’re going to do. This is ultra convenient for my time management and helps me to keep my classes very organized and keep track of not only my work, but the progress of my students. Having a record of past work helps me improve as a teacher because I can make changes to my techniques as I gain experience. The virtual classroom is the future of education, and you can get on the bus or be left behind.
What it’s like working with a virtual team
Many prospective teachers might shy away from virtual work because you aren’t part of a team or might feel isolated. This could not be further from the truth; the virtual workplace is a space of cooperation and collaboration. At Maximo Nivel online, the team meets regularly and are in constant contact with management and receive support from teachers based all over the world. There is no need to be isolated from your fellow teachers and the management team, instant messaging and virtual meetings have done away with the need for commuting to see your coworkers. Virtual meetings and instant messaging are a great way to get advice from other teachers and receive help from your managers instantly. Working with an online team also has its fun, from sharing memes in our Zoom group chat to recounting I have never felt isolated from my supporting structure, and I have received the greatest support from my team.
The freedom of being a digital nomad
Despite all the mentioned advantages of teaching online there is one that shines above all the others. Being an online teacher has given me the opportunity to be a “digital nomad”. Being a “digital nomad” has made it possible for me to travel and live in different places. I have spent time in Brazil, Uruguay, Chile, and Argentina, all while earring an income and without the stress of finding a new job every time I decide I want to see a different part of South America. A traditional teaching job would limit me to one place. The opportunity to travel with the peace of mind that I will always have an income as long as I live somewhere with a stable internet connection is something that has been given to me by my online teaching position. Many people including myself got TEFL certified to have the opportunity to travel, and teaching online has proven to be the best way to see as many places and cultures as possible. Gone are the days of spending all your time in one place, the virtual teaching life opens up the world for you to explore and find your place. Join the online teaching community and experience the world as a digital nomad.