Summary

The article discusses the personal experiences and reflections of an individual teaching English online to students in China, touching on the challenges and peculiarities of web-based education, including the impact on sleep patterns due to time zone differences and the irony of Americans' grammatical errors.

Abstract

The author of "On Teaching Online" shares insights into their role as a remote English instructor for Chinese students via the internet. The piece highlights the convenience and flexibility of working from home, juxtaposed with the nocturnal schedule necessitated by the significant time zone differences. This schedule takes a toll on the instructor's sleep, revealing the less glamorous side of online teaching. The author humorously laments the state of American English, pointing out common grammatical mistakes and the paradox of teaching 'proper' English while acknowledging the widespread grammatical shortcomings in the United States. The article concludes with a light-hearted nod to the importance of maintaining clarity and proper grammar in communication, even in the digital age.

Opinions

The author finds web-based education to be a convenient and flexible way to earn income, particularly appreciating the ability to work from home.
Time zone differences present a significant challenge, as they require the instructor to work during what would normally be their sleep hours, leading to a loss of precious rest.
There is an element of irony in teaching English elocution to non-native speakers while many Americans themselves struggle with grammar and proper sentence structure.
The author humorously criticizes the grammatical errors commonly found in American English, such as the double negative "I didn't do nothing" and the misconception that ending a sentence with "at" is incorrect.
Despite the challenges, the author seems to enjoy the work and is committed to helping students improve their English, aspiring to teach all night if it were physically possible.
The article concludes with a self-aware comment on the importance of clear communication, as the author acknowledges their own digressions and aims to conclude the piece with clarity and grace.

On Teaching Online

Let’s talk about web-based education -

As a supplementary source of remuneration

Through the interwebs, I travel to China,

To serve as an instructor of English elocution.

Where is everbody? Photo by Ivan Aleksic on Unsplash

Working at home suits me just fine-uh.

Detracting from total mirth

Is that our opposing locations on the earth

Mean they are awake while I would snooze,

Causing me to lose

Precious sleep that humans require.

Indeed, I wish the body wouldn’t tire,

That being the case, I’d teach all night,

Helping Chinese kids speak English, the way an American might.

Scratch that, Americans have terrible grammar,

It’s only one step above incomprehensible yammer.

The worst example of this grammatical blathering

Is to answer “I didn’t do nothing”

Which is really testifying

That you, indeed, did something.

Equally bad is ending

A sentence with “at”

Thereby offending

Anyone that

Knows it’s a grammatical transgression,

To end a sentence with a preposition.

OMG, I’m all over the place,

To avoid confusion,

And end with grace,

This sentence is my conclusion.

Today’s classroom. Photo by Nick Morrison on Unsplash

FIN