What's the difference between CELTA online and face to face?

If you're thinking about doing a CELTA course and you're not sure whether to do it face to face or online, here are some thoughts about the differences from an experienced CELTA tutor. If you want more information about CELTA and how to apply check out my FREE online course 'Applying for CELTA' www.elt-training.com/course/c... and lots of other useful CELTA support on my website www.elt-training.com

[@ELTExperiences]

I remember that Cambridge introduced the blended online CELTA course back in 2012 or so. I guess COVID forced many providers to convert towards the fully online CELTA course. Nevertheless, speaking to a recruiter back in 2012 at IATEFL in Brighton, she mentioned that the blended online course was never really a proper course. I wonder whether institutes are rather selective much like that recruiter I spoke to in 2012 regardless how much Cambridge attempt equalise the course.

[@elttraining]

I didn’t mention the blended course (which they used to call the online celta) in this video because it doesn’t exist anymore. It was never really an online course because the teaching practice was always face-to-face. It was just the input that was on a Moodle platform… it was quite popular with some centres who did intensive teaching practice over two weeks but it never caught on in the same way as the online course now has.

[@mesamies123]

Excellent! Thank you!

[@dawndiaper9711]

I am doing a zoom CELTA course now, the biggest challenge and difference I think is using the zoom technology for your lessons. It’s half the battle making sure you know how it works and using it easily but also it’s harder as you don’t get to gage your students as easier as you do face to face or even put them in pairs to do an activity, you have to do the BOR’s. If you can manage it you know you can teach anywhere and use the technology too 😊

[@elttraining]

It’s true that you need to learn to manage the online tools but these are useful lessons, I think 😀

[@dawndiaper9711]

@@elttraining yes they are very useful tools, just unexpected how much you have to do along with the lesson. And this online course is a proper course, well organised and executed. Would recommend it. 😊😊

[@ni3467]

Any recommendation for teaching Pre Entry level. Any websites. Resources are very limited

[@elttraining]

If you’re on a CELTA course then you should have a course book to use and it’s a good idea to learn how to do this. There are also lots of great sites for learners all levels. Have a look at this free resource on my site and you’ll find some examples.www.elt-training.com/course/lesson-plans

[@bestusernameever6518]

One thing that shouldn't be overlooked is how draining Zoom classes can be. Being stuck in one spot for hours on end can be exhausting. I remember doing my part-time online class with a provider halfway across the world, so I would start classes at 4pm and end at 11pm, with an hour for food. I ploughed through it, but just thought to remind potential trainees.

[@elttraining]

Yes- I totally agree. I do make this point in the video … 😀