The Preply Online Teaching Conference is back on October 29 and I couldn't be more excited!
I have been teaching on Preply for many years now and have witnessed how the platform has evolved and improved in many ways, especially following its major rebranding three years ago. This will be the fifth edition of the conference, which is open to tutors with approved Preply accounts including mine. I have always found this annual event rewarding and valuable for growing my online tutoring business. Even experienced teachers can learn a great deal from it as fellow tutors share practical advice on lesson design, student engagement and tracking learning process. Their approaches may differ from mine, offering new perspectives and ideas to incorporate during my lessons.
Why this conference matters more than ever
I have also noticed improvements in the way Preply integrates AI into its platform. This is another reason why I believe events like this are becoming increasingly valuable in a world where technology and teaching methods are evolving so rapidly. It's fundamental to stay up to date!
However, Preply views AI as a supporting tool rather than a replacement of human interaction, positioning itself as a human-led, AI-enabled learning platform. In fact, this year's theme is "progress, powered by human connection".
Speaking of human connection, my experience with Preply has been fantastic so far. Through my lessons, I have had the opportunity to meet people from all over the world who have taught me a lot about their cultures and perspectives on life.
The programme addresses also student retention, tutor earnings and sustainable business growth.
Inspiring speakers and new teaching ideas
More than 39 speakers are expected to take part in the conference. The programme is also expected to feature a keynote by Mark Richard, co-author of Oxford Teachers' Academy's Online One-to-One Tutoring course. He will explore how stronger connections can lead to visible student progress. I am particularly interested in the focus on role-playing activities that encourage students to start speaking from the very beginning. This approach is championed by José S., a Spanish tutor with more than seven years of teaching experience.
Another sessions that sounds insightful is the one featuring Sofia Tavares, Chief Brand Officer at Preply. Her analysis of the impact of human connection and what truly effective learning can look like promises to offer valuable insights.