In this research article, we are going to look into the differences between online
tefl course and onsite
tefl course, by comparing different areas of pros and cons of online Vs onsite
tefl course.
Onsite
tefl course has been more traditional and was the only form of taking
tefl course previously, while online
tefl course was less common and popular before. However, nowadays, with the advancement and accessibility of modern technology like computer and Internet broadband, and the busy city lifestyle closely associated with the development of globalization.
Definition
Online
tefl course
Online
tefl course refers to taking the
tefl course through online medium, by receiving the course study materials and handing in assignments through emails.
Onsite
tefl courses
Onsite
tefl course refers to a course, which was held on a given site of classroom with a group of students, taking the same
tefl course with a qualified
teacher. Apart from lectures and classroom activities and practice, candidates will have a chance of observing others' in teaching and to practise teaching.
Nature of learning
Contents
The content of learning for both online and onsite
tefl courses are exactly the same.
Format of course and mode of delivery:
Online
tefl course comes with
tutor or no
tutor support. When all the learning modules are completed with the worksheets satisfied by the
tutor or exam passed at the end, candidates will obtain a
certificate afterward.
For onsite course, if candidates participated the whole of the learning period by attending 4 weeks of compulsory classes from 9 am to 5 pm. Candidates will obtain the
certificate.
Time:
online course candidates can finish the
tefl course at their own pace in 6 months. While onsite candidates have to attend daily lessons for 4 weeks.
Mode and method of learning
Online
tefl course is conducted through the
tefl institution sending and receiving study material in chapters through email with or without
tutor support. Candidates undertake independent study of the material and then show his/ her understanding on the topic by responding to the
questions set for the topic in the worksheet with
tutor support or through a one- time 24-hour open- book exam sent through emails.
Onsite
tefl course is conducted through traditional means of attending classroom lessons.
Types of learning and skills involved
In
online course, the types of learning involved are independent learning and self- study. Students have to read, process, analyze and understand the materials given and express their own opinion regarding the topic they learnt up the satisfaction of the
tutor who will
assess student's understanding on the topic. The worksheets are aimed to show students' understanding of the topic.
Apart from basic study skills like reading comprehension like skimming and scanning, etc. The essential skills involved in undertaking the
online course would be time- management, discipline and analyzing the information and reflection on self's own experience in learning and teaching. Secondly, student must be able to write to express one's opinion and understanding on the topic through answering the open question involved in their own words.
In onsite course, since it is a group- learning environment. Students learn through interaction, group discussion and lecture and demonstration. It is a more varied and lively approach to the learning outcomes.
Comparison of the Pros and cons of online Vs onsite
tefl learning:
Online
tefl learning
Pros:
1.The use of technology saves time and energy and money. Simplify the learning process.
2.Candidates can learn at ones' own pace and time.
Cons:
1). Online learning lacks the resources group learning
offers, by discussion, practice and observation and demonstration.
2). Online learning is more boring compared to group learning environment.
3). Online learning requires a high
degree of self- discipline and time and life management and determination.
Onsite
tefl learning
Pros:
1). More learning resources and approaches in group- learning than online learning.
2). Learn about teaching through ongoing feedback from instructors, teaching observation and practice.
Cons:
1). More commitments for a month in terms of environment, time and energy.
2). Less personal learning.
To summarize, online and onsite
tefl courses both have their pros and cons, which may suit different people. Online
tefl is a contribution to candidates who cannot attend onsite
tefl courses.