Why Do an Online CELTA? Benefits and Considerations
- Connor O'Donoghue
- Aug 6
- 3 min read
If you're considering taking a CELTA course to become a qualified English language teacher, you might wonder if doing it online is as effective as the traditional face-to-face option. Let's explore the advantages of completing your CELTA course online with DC Teacher Training.
Is an Online CELTA Recognised?
One common concern about online TEFL courses is their credibility. You might have seen adverts stating that online TEFL certificates aren't accepted. However, a Cambridge CELTA certificate obtained through an online course is identical to the one issued after a face-to-face course. Your CELTA certificate from Cambridge that you'll receive after a DC Teacher Training course won’t mention that the course was completed online, so employers will recognise your qualification without issue.
Job Opportunities: Online vs Face-to-Face
The English teaching job market has evolved significantly, and online teaching positions have seen rapid growth. Many teachers now build hybrid careers, teaching face-to-face classes at home or abroad while supplementing their income through online tutoring. Others fully embrace online teaching roles, responding to the increasing demand for digital education.
By taking your CELTA online, you're positioning yourself effectively for these opportunities. If you envision primarily teaching online, it's logical to complete your training in the same environment. Even if your career goals involve a mix of face-to-face and online teaching, training online first often provides an easier transition to face-to-face teaching than vice versa.
Teaching Practice Online
You might wonder, "How do I complete teaching practice online?" At DC Teacher Training, teaching practice is fully integrated into our online CELTA. We recruit volunteer adult students from around the world who log into our Zoom classrooms for your teaching practice. You will teach at least two different student levels online, and the experience, standards, and assessment criteria are identical to our face-to-face CELTA.
Standard of Training
Our online CELTA trainees achieve standards comparable to those on our face-to-face courses. Initially, there was scepticism about the quality of online training, particularly during the transition necessitated by coronavirus. However, we've found that while trainees might make occasional online-specific errors (such as accidentally removing someone from a Zoom meeting), the vast majority of teaching successes and common mistakes remain consistent across both modes of delivery.
Essential Hardware and Software
When you join our online CELTA course, you'll need certain essential technology and skills. At DC Teacher Training, we utilise three main platforms to facilitate learning:
Google Classroom
Google Classroom is where you'll find course materials, assignments, lesson plans, and important links. It's intuitive and easy to use, especially if you're familiar with Google Drive, OneDrive, or SharePoint. You will need a Google or Gmail account to access the course materials.
Zoom
Zoom is the central platform for live online lessons and teaching practice. Your tutors will show you the basic technical skills that you require on the first day of your course and these include:
Sharing your screen to display texts and visuals.
Playing audio tracks for listening exercises.
Using breakout rooms for group activities.
Sharing documents and links via the chat feature for collaborative tasks.
Cambridge Moodle (Part-time courses only)
On our part-time courses, you'll also engage with Cambridge study materials hosted on Moodle. You'll watch videos, read texts, and complete interactive exercises, which requires an up-to-date web browser.
To participate effectively, you will need a reliable computer (desktop or laptop) and a stable internet connection. While you can complete homework on any device, live sessions must be done using a computer, as tablets and phones lack the necessary functionalities to use Zoom as a teaching tool.
Comfort and Preparation
Completing an online CELTA requires comfort working remotely for extended periods. Ensure you have a comfortable workspace, adequate lighting, and minimal distractions to help you stay engaged and focused during your online sessions. Preparing your space and mindset for remote learning sets you up for success and ensures you gain the most from your CELTA experience.
Start your Online CELTA journey with us today!
Dr Connor O'Donoghue hails from Ireland and he started teaching English as a foreign language in Poland in 2003 and he became a CELTA trainer in 2008. He has taught and trained in Ireland, the UK, France, Italy, Slovenia, Macedonia, Poland, Russia, Kazakhstan and Vietnam. Connor also holds a Masters and a PhD in Education from Trinity College in Dublin. He has previously managed large teacher training centres in Vietnam and in London before founding DC Teacher Training.
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