{"id":11954,"date":"2020-12-28T10:26:23","date_gmt":"2020-12-28T17:26:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/?p=11954"},"modified":"2023-10-19T08:28:37","modified_gmt":"2023-10-19T14:28:37","slug":"rules-of-etiquette-teaching-english-online","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/rules-of-etiquette-teaching-english-online\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Rules of Etiquette for Teaching English Online"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Whether it\u2019s from your living room couch or a caf\u00e9 abroad, teaching English online<\/a> allows you to work where you\u2019re most comfy. But regardless of the setting, this flexible job requires you to create an ideal virtual learning atmosphere and also appear professional by following certain rules of etiquette for teaching online. Wondering what the rules are? We bring you the top 10 online etiquettes (or “netiquette”) guidelines for the virtual ESL classroom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re new to teaching, you\u2019ll want to get initial training and qualification with a TEFL certificate<\/a>. You can explore our online TEFL courses<\/a> to get started!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why is etiquette for teaching English online important?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

With the ever-changing nature of technology and the Internet, teaching online has made it easier for English teachers to interact with learners in cyberspace, no matter which country, age group, or walk of life they\u2019re from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Much like in a real classroom, however, an online classroom is also a formal learning environment where appropriate conduct and effective communication should be observed. With this, rules of netiquette<\/em> \u2013 a term coined from combining Internet and etiquette \u2013 for teachers were created. These unwritten dos and don\u2019ts for interacting and behaving properly in a virtual class are key to providing a meaningful experience to learners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s why these guidelines for online ESL teachers are essential:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Following proper etiquette for teaching online sets a good example for students<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Learners have varying notions of how they should behave and express themselves during an online English lesson. For instance, they often wonder, \u201cWhat should I wear to a virtual class?\u201d or \u201cWhat topics can I talk about?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a virtual ESL teacher, you take on a leadership role, so this is your chance to show them, by example, what professional and respectful behavior and dress is like online, especially to younger students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Online etiquette helps your class run smoothly<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Are you hoping to prevent major issues in your online English lessons, such as misbehaving students, misunderstanding, and distractions in the background? It all starts by knowing what to do and not to do, particularly when it comes to conveying your message and moderating a class.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Moreover, showing the right attitude and being mindful about the topics and activities to incorporate into your lessons are both crucial for attracting students and keeping them engaged.<\/a> The result of this is a class that is active, productive, and full of respect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Learn other ways to avoid common mistakes when teaching English online.<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Jhonny,
Jhonny, from Venezuela, teaches adult ESL students online.<\/em><\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Observing proper netiquette makes students more comfortable<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s not uncommon for online ESL students to hesitate or lose their confidence in class because they worry about not being listened to or receiving questions about uncomfortable subjects. However, by following guidelines on how to act or what to discuss in class, you can make students feel more at ease when they talk with you and their classmates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It debunks online English teaching myths<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Not being able to build rapport with learners, having less participation in the virtual classroom, and delivering lessons of lower quality are just some of the myths about teaching English online<\/a>. There\u2019s no better way to prove that these are mere misconceptions than by showing proper online teaching etiquette towards your students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

10 Netiquette rules for teaching English online<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Now that you know the importance of online teaching etiquette, let\u2019s look at the most important netiquette guidelines that can help take your classes\u2019 professionalism and quality up a notch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Dress and present yourself appropriately<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

While it\u2019s tempting to fall into a uniform of PJs and sweatpants when you\u2019re working from home, proper online teaching etiquette means you should instead look presentable and professional onscreen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a rule of thumb, dressing for success as an online English teacher depends on the type of student you\u2019re teaching:<\/p>\n\n\n\n