Choosing a teaching context requires considering the advantages and disadvantages of each learning environment. While online teaching may be suitable for some, I love being in the classroom. However, I would also like to dabble here and there with online teaching in the future. Here are some pros and cons to online teaching.
Pros of online teaching
- Flexible, convenient schedule
- No commuting costs
- Numerous free VoIP tools available
- Can build up clients and establish a good reputation online
- Can work as much or as little as one likes
- Can work for a company that finds clients
- May work for a company that creates the curriculum and materials
- Can work independently and set your own rates
- Can create your own business model
- Stay current with technology tools
CONS OF ONLINE TEACHING
- Potential issues with time zone differences
- May have to find own clients
- Business may be slow initially
- If self-employed, you spend money on equipment;
Need initial investment of time and money; and
Need to bring clients to your services
- Potential scams
- Highly competitive to find clients
- Low hourly pay with many companies
- Potentially no company benefits
- Less opportunity to socialize
- May have distractions at home such as young children
- Technology issues such as: