My Top 10 Resources for Teaching ESL Online

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With the world as it is right now (writing this during the COVID-19), I’m sure a lot of teachers have been forced to start adapting their classes to teach online. Others are considering starting to teach ESL online as another source of income (To get started teaching online sign up for an accredited TEFL course at The TEFL academy). Whether you’re already a teacher or thinking of becoming one teaching in class or online, using online resources to teach ESL online can add so much value to your lessons. More than ever people are using the internet to meet all of their needs. So why not use it for teaching the English language? 

Incorporating technology into your classroom (virtual or physical) is not only a great way to teach English it also prepares students for real-world contexts. In today’s technological world, using technology in the classroom helps students engage in relevant conversations and also makes it more interesting for them. 

These are the all-time favourite websites that I have used in-class and online! I like them because they have a number of resources that you can print, download, play, listen to etc. Anything and everything! I have used these lessons as a part of my lesson and also for homework, where students can reinforce what they are learning in class.

My Top 10 Resources for Teaching ESL Online

BBC English Learning has a lot of great videos and clips that you can use in an online platform. They have lessons for kids, teenagers and adults. Their videos are up to date with the latest news and current affairs. They have grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, News, and Business related options.

Fluentize  – this website provides online lessons based on real-world videos for older students (teenage to adult). They have free and paid lessons, so you can try them out and if you want more you can sign up for their paid lessons! They are easily adaptable and geared to online teaching. However, you will need to enter your email to unlock the lessons, but if you use them consistently, this is definitely worth doing!

Randall’s ESL Cyber Listening Lab – These lessons focus on listening comprehension and are all done online. They offer great resources that you can use for homework or in class. What I really like about these lessons is that along with listening activities they also have great ideas follow-up activities.

The British Council – Learn English section offers a lot of great learning opportunities for your students. It has a newsletter they can sign up for, online English courses, and even podcasts!

Online Jeopardy – this is a great website that allows you to make your own Jeopardy game or choose a pre-made theme. A fun and easy way to review vocabulary and phrases. 

ESL Video –  This website has a lot of great lessons based on a variety of television shows and videos. They have friends season 1 and even Ted Talks. You have the option to download the lesson plan, but students can also listen and complete the activities online. 

Glogster – a website where students can create interactive multimedia posters! This could be used in an activity or presentation where students can create an advertising poster or vocabulary poster. The ideas are endless!

Prezi – a website for making presentations online, students can still work on their presentation skills and language by making online presentations. 

A quick side note here. Prezi and Glogster are both paid memberships so if you can get that covered by your school great! Otherwise, some free options for creating presentations and posters are:

• Canva.com
• Google Slides (linked through your google account)
• Or good old PowerPoint or Publisher

 Perfect English Grammar is a great website for students to practice their grammar skills. Each grammar point is broken down into a very simple explanation that students can then practice. This is a great resource for students who are struggling to get the basic structures right. I would use this as a homework resource. 

National Geographic – This is such an interesting resource for reading. It’s national geographic and they have created lessons for some of their articles. Students read the short article and then answer comprehension questions. The articles provide phrases and vocabulary help and even have downloadable extra activities. Lessons are graded to each level from Beginner to advanced. 

Interested in Teaching ESL Online?

If you’re interested in teaching ESL/EFL online but don’t know where to start. Get started with Premier TEFL! An accredited, internationally recognized organization to help you get your online teaching career started! 

What resources do you use for your online ESL Teaching? Let me know in the comments below!