Important notice…
This company is no longer hiring online teachers due to recent changes in China. However, you can choose to look at the helpful links below instead:
- List of Non-Chinese Online ESL Companies – featuring companies such as, Cambly
DaDa
This platform is not currently hiring through DigiNo. Please click the button below to see alternative online teaching jobs…
DaDa Overview
Company Description
DaDa is one of many teach from home jobs, such as Cambly or Amazing Talker. as one of their side hustles from home.
DaDa (formerly DaDaABC) is a Chinese online education platform for kids, much like Cambly Kids or PalFish, that offers American and British elementary education experiences to Chinese students aged 4–16. If you are seeking platforms for teaching adults, Preply is one for teaching many languages as well as English, or there is also Excedo which is for those wishing to coach business English.
The company hires English Language instructors to give 25-minute, 1-1 online, fully immersive lessons delivered via the company's learning platform and based on U.S. Common Core State Standards. The process adheres to a flipped classroom model, entailing a pre-class video that introduces key learning points, interactive 1 to 1 instruction that reinforces learning objectives, and follow-up, post class homework.
If you are looking to teach a subject that you are passionate about, rather than just English, Allschool is the platform for this.
The benefits of becoming a DaDa English Teacher
Fixed Student
You will have regular students that you see weekly. Allowing you to build a bond and see your students' learning develop over time.
Training
Teaching is important and so is growth! DaDa provide free training courses to help their teachers be better equipped and achieve more.
Flexible Schedule
Set your own schedule and your location can be anywhere. Maximum flexibility whilst earning and working on this online side hustle from home.
Lesson Plan Material
DaDa partners with world-class authoritative publishers, such as Pearson, McGraw-Hill, Oxford University and other prestigious publishers/ learning centers. No lesson planning for teachers.
DaDa Requirements
- or above
- Teaching certification, such as TEFL, TESL, CELTA, PGCE
- Criminal background check
- 1 years teaching experience isn't required but is desired
DaDa Pay
A teacher’s salary will be consisted of a base pay and incentive bonuses – these depend on the number of your regular students you have and your attendance performance.
The monthly salary will be based on USD, no more currency exchange loss from RMB to USD thanks to using Payoneer.
$14 – $25 per hour (Base pay plus bonuses)
Base pay depends on your:
- Teaching experience
- Education background
- Performance during the mock class
DaDa Schedule
Once you provide your availability, DaDa will allocate your online teaching time slots. DaDa are flexible with their scheduling, but you must commit to a minimum of two days a week not in a row, teaching two hours per day.
Teaching times
(Please note, these times are all in Beijing time).
Monday-Friday:
6pm-9pm
Weekends:
9am-12am
2pm-4pm
6pm-9pm
DaDa FAQ
What are the DaDa bonus payments?
Incentive Payments
- Cancellation subsidy: 30% – 50% of base pay
- Trial class conversion bonus – $7 USD
- Teacher referral bonus: $100 USD per successful hire
- Step Bonus: Up to $7 USD per hire
Stability Factor
Up to 3% of ‘base pay and step bonus'
For example:
Base pay rate: $14 per hour
Maximum hourly salary: ($14 + $7) x 1.03 = $21.63
1) Step bonus Explained:
You will receive an additional hourly bonus in this new incentive payment scheme. The longer you work, the more you get per hour.
2. Student Stability factor:
This is level of stability of you and your students from the previous month. A higher stability factor will give you extra income.
What is a stable student?:
Regular students who attended more than 15 classes with you are stable students. The more stable students you have, the higher the stability factor.
What all of this means?
Essentially you are rewarded for working more hours, as well as being rewarded for teaching well enough to keep your regular students wanting to learn from you.
Teach a lot + Teach well = More money on top of your base pay.
What is the minimum internet speed to teach for DaDa?
What are some examples of DaDa demo class materials?
How to get paid by DaDa through Payoneer?
DaDa teachers were recently notified of that they can now receive their online teaching pay through Payoneer. So here you will learn:
- Why to use Payoneer to receive your DaDa pay
- How to get a $35 dollar bonus with the help of DigiNo
- How to pair your Payoneer account with DaDa to receive your pay if you're already a DaDa teacher
Why to use Payoneer to receive your DaDa pay
How to get a $35 dollar bonus with the help of DigiNo
By signing up to Payoneer through DigiNo, $35 will be credited to your account once you receive a total of $1000 payments to Payoneer from your DaDa salary..
(DigiNo has an affiliate partnership at Payoneer, which means we also receive a similar financial bonus once you receive yours. This comes at no extra cost to you and is a great way to help fund the site).
Simply click the ‘Click Here’ button in the red box below to get started (make sure to use the same email that you use to sign into DaDa (or one that you intend to use to apply for DaDa):
Here is a video on how to set up your Payoneer account:
Testimonial From a Teacher That Switched To Payoneer
I got my pay yesterday in Payoneer and did the transfer and it went straight in overnight! My pay in AUD was only a bit less than what the optimum conversion rate was and I didn't see that I was charged any other fees.
I'm super excited about this, as Paypal had a 4% fee, and I would still lose further money in bad conversion rates as well, so I'm happy! My bank isn't awesome with their conversion rates either, so this is the best choice.
Teacher Carrie
Online Teacher
How to connect your Payoneer account with DaDa to receive your pay if you're already a teacher
Now that you have set up your account, you will now need to connect your account to DaDa to receive your pay. To do this, you just have to click on the link below and follow the picture steps underneath:
Step One
Click this link to take you to the DaDa Payoneer account:
https://digino.org/dada-payoneer
Step Two
Then click ‘Click Here!' as outlined below:
Step Three
And simply sign in with the credentials you have created previously. This will then ensure that your salary will be paid from DaDa, as well as receiving the $35 DigiNo bonus.
And now your Payoneer account will be connected to DaDa, signalling to them that you wish your pay to be received there. You will also receive the $35 bonus once you receive $1000 into your Payoneer account. Provided that you took the initial step of setting up your account through DigiNo:
What is the application process for DaDa?
- Initial application here
- Submitting CV and profile picture
- Interview
- Demo Class
What To Put in Your CV
In your CV, focus on any relevant teaching experience.
But a tip for you is…DaDa want fun teachers! So prove that you are fun!
Think of any extra-curricular activities that prove that you are fun and active…such as being part of a sports team, or maybe you are passionate about science…or you might even be in to kayaking.
They just want to see that you will be able to passionately discuss topics with an older student…or be fun and active enough to entertain a younger student.
Check out the free course which goes into so much more detail:
Succeeding at the Interview
With any interview, the key to success is to smile, talk positively about your relevant experience and convey your value to the interviewer.
How to convey your value
For example, if you are musical. Mentioned how you can sing and play music with the student to help their learning. This will convey value.
If you are a writer, mention how you could run storytelling and writing classes. This will convey value.
Have a think about your value and how to package it in a teaching scenario.
Succeeding at the Demo Class
The demo class is where you teach a child through the online platform (training with the platform will be provided beforehand).
This will not only determine if you are capable of performing the role…but it will also determine your hourly rate of pay.
If you would like to find out some awesome tips on how to do an outstanding job at the demo class and drastically improve your chances of getting hired, then check out these online ESL tips.
What are some warm-up activities for DaDa students?
Creating the Best Learning Environment for Online English Students with Warm-Up Activities
If athletes don't warm-up, injuries occur.
If online English teachers for DaDa don't warm-up the student's minds with an activity, the most optimum amount of learning won't take place…
…and the student may end up non-attentive and unengaged.
We don't want that! An engaged student makes for a fun class for both of you.
So here are the best warm-up activities for you to create the best learning environment for your online class!
Fox, Chicken and Grain Riddle
This old crossing the river riddle with a fox, chicken and bag of grain is a great way to get your students thinking!
ManyCam for Guessing Games and Songs!
You can use ManyCam to play animal guessing games and animal-related songs.
ManyCam allows for the teacher to present on screen whilst also playing YouTube videos to the student on their screen. It is a fantastic teaching tool for your online ESL classroom.
If you want to bring your warm-up activities to life:
Play Ukulele and Sing Your Favourite Food!
Here is Teacher Jason using his ukulele to encourage the kids to sing all about their favourite foods. This gets the online students thinking, singing and laughing!
Click here to discover the top 5 ukulele songs to play to your online ESL students.
TicTacToe!
Check out these alternative ways to play TicTacToe. This game is always a winner!
What are some PROs and CONS for working for DaDa?
PRO #1 – The Platform
You teach students on a video conference platform called DaDaClass that is similar to Skype or Zoom, however it has a guided lesson plan on the screen.
This on-screen lesson plan can consist of written activities, stories or questions.
It allows the teacher to focus their energies on keeping the student engaged, rather than coming up with lesson plans constantly.
CON #1 – Trial Classes
Trial classes are 14 minutes long and are new students testing out the DaDa service.
A lot of the time these students can be low English ability, so you may find yourself using a lot of energy to keep them engaged with body language and props, such as puppets.
If you have several trial classes all in row, you may end up constantly doing the alphabet on the courseware which can be very tiresome.
PRO #2 – Regular Students
Along with trial classes, you also have your regular students. These are students that you see on a weekly basis which allows you to strike up a bond.
This is a great part of the job as you get to see the weekly development and progression of the student.
You also develop a sense of humour with the student and it is always great to have fun whilst learning!
CON #2 – Class Reports
After each online class, you have to fill out a class report for the parents of the student
This is simply summing up what you studied together, what they did well, what they could improve upon and homework to be done.
The drawback of this is if you see your student quite regularly they aren't progressing enough to warrant writing a report about every one of their classes.
So you may end up writing the same thing each time of how they mispronounced a word, which can get very repetitive.
PRO #3 – The Community
There is a fantastic Facebook group for DaDa online teachers.
It is a great community for people to ask questions and share problems or funny moments.
Working from home does create a certain degree of isolation, so the DaDa community provides a great source of workplace camaraderie.
CON #3 – Half-Pay Rule For Stand-by Time
When a student cancels the class beforehand or doesn't turn up, or if you have an empty slot in your contracted hours, you will receive half of your hourly rate for that time period.
Therefore you are only paid full-pay for the time that you are teaching in your contracted hours.
This does seem relatively fair, however, to lose money for something that is out of your control is always going to be a con rather than a pro.
What are some homework assignment ideas for DaDa?
If you are often sat scratching your head trying to come up with DaDa homework assignment ideas for your online English student, then worry no more!
Here is a list of possible homework examples to keep your student improving and excited to share their progress in your next class together.
1) Pronunciation and Phonics
One that I mainly do is to take note of all of the words the student mispronounced throughout the class in the chat box, then after class, paste these words into the teacher report.
Then proceed to instruct them to break these words down into phonics for their homework.
For example, let's say the student mispronounced ‘apple', you could write it out like this:
a-p-p-l-e
2) Proper Nouns and Sentences
You can instruct the student to write a sentence using a proper noun that you learned in that class and advise them to make sure to use correct capitalization.
3) Ask Mum and Dad About Their Job
You can set your DaDa student a task to ask their mum or dad about their job and tell them to be ready to tell you all about it for the next class.
4) Practice the Words for the Next Class
Tell your student to read the courseware ahead of the next class and to practice the key words ready for the next class.
5) Make a List of Objects That Are The Same Colour
Find out your student's favourite colour and ask them to find 5 things that are all that colour!
6) Practice the Words Learned Today
You can also simply ask your online English student to practice the key words that were learned in the courseware that day.
7) Practice the Greeting Conversation
Ask your student to practice their answer for regular questions in the greeting conversation, such as ‘What classes did you have today at school?'
8) Questions to Ask Teacher
Ask your DaDaABC student to think of three questions they would like to ask you. Instruct them to ask them at random times throughout the next class.
9) Find an English Book To Read Out Loud
Ask your student to find an English book they have that they really like and tell them to find a passage that they would want to read out loud to you next time.
Whenever teachers have set this, the student is always really excited to share a book they love.
10) Link Your Student to Educational Resources
You can send an educational resource link to your student and ask them to memorise some of the verses if it is a song, or to generally practice what the resource teaches them, such as phonics or spelling.
Below is a list of resources:
How to use ManyCam for DaDa classes?
Teaching English online can be exhausting. Thankfully ManyCam exists to make the online teacher's life a lot easier…and the student's class a lot more fun!
Check out the video below for a complete beginner's guide to ManyCam:
Or keep reading for more of a background on ManyCam…
Using ManyCam with DaDa
You can display a sing-a-long YouTube video, animal counting game or all kinds of ManyCam Games whilst still remaining present on the screen!
What Exactly is ManyCam?
ManyCam is a video switcher/webcam software allowing you to use your webcam on most applications whilst simultaneously live streaming or using video chat.
It can be used on applications such as YouTube, Skype, Twitch or Livestream.
You can record your screen, alter your background, add cool effects and much much more.
Benefits of Using ManyCam with DaDa
With ManyCam you can improve your online classroom by:
- Putting filters over your face to make the student laugh. For example, you can become a cat.
- You can play a song on YouTube and have the lyrics up so the student can sing along.
- You can project guessing games on YouTube so you don't have to spend countless hours gathering props for your own game.
- You can project visual reward systems.
Click the link below if you want super-boost your online classroom and read about the different versions of ManyCam free vs paid.
What are regular students for DaDa?
One of the best parts of teaching English online with DaDa is your regular students. As the weeks go by your schedule will fill up with regular students, so each time you teach you are gradually building a connection with them.
Build a Connection and Sense of Humour
It's great to make your online ESL students laugh during class. If they are having fun learning then they will look forward to learning more. Seeing a student regularly allows you to create a sense of humour with them and get to know what gags make them laugh the most. As opposed to trial classes where you never know if your puppet routine is going to produce tumbleweed.
It's good to realise that the child has already been to school that day, so it's important to inject a bit of fun to keep them engaged.
Gauge Their English Ability To Help Craft The Lesson
You can also get a grasp at what the student's strengths are in English and what areas need more work. This helps you to craft your lesson plan around this knowledge. For example, if your regular student's pronunciation isn't quite there, then you can plan a phonics activity for each class to get them up to scratch! Or if their vocabulary for things such as fruit isn't as strong, you can play a fruit guessing game.
With trial classes being 14 minutes long and no guarantee that you will see the student again, it's harder to cater for their educational needs.
A Sense of Security With Full Pay Hours [Regular Students and DaDaABC]
Regular students also give you a sense of security that you will get your full-pay hours each week as they are less likely to cancel last-minute than a trial class. As you are only paid your full hourly rate for the time that you are teaching in your contracted hours. So having a dedicated student that has signed up to see you at a routine time each week gives you confidence that your monthly income will remain a similar number on pay day.
What is a simple class activity for DaDa?
3 Questions Activity
After your initial greeting conversation with your student, you may notice that they do not tend to ask you very many, if any, questions in return to yours.
So set them the task of thinking of 3 questions that they would like to ask you. Ask them to type them down in the chat to make it a written exercise as well as spoken.
They will tend to ask questions such as:
- ‘How old are you?'(I like to turn this into a game and give them 3 guesses to get it right.)
- ‘What is your favourite colour?'
- ‘Do you have a girlfriend?' (Do not answer personal questions like this – remain professional)
So you see, the more times that you set this activity, the questions get more and more intricate as they are not allowed to repeat questions. It's not incredibly interesting to hear that your favourite colour is orange about 6 times.
What is the Point of this Activity?
Conversational skills are the absolute pinnacle of learning English. If you can hold a full conversation in English with another person…then congratulations, you are fluent!
So think of it as creating a spider's web of conversation skills with your students, so that as each week goes by, the web gets more and more intricate.
When you think about it, all a conversation really is is just questions, answers and statements. So build upon those three!
So then, how can you expand upon this?
Set Your Student a Mission for the Next Class
For their homework, tell them to think of 3 more questions to ask you…but with a twist!
This time, instruct them to ask you them in the next class at random times without being reminded.
But why?
This will slowly condition them to think independently about conversational skills. Students are often masters of making statements when instructed, or answering questions when you ask them, but it is rare that they randomly come out with a question.
The person that asks questions in the conversation, is then taking control of that conversation. If you can get your students taking control of the English language, then that is a huge step towards them becoming fluent.
What to do in the spare time after student assessment test?
You will sometimes have to give your student an assessment test. This is to monitor their developement. It is easy for the teacher to deliver, however, you are given 30 minutes for the assessment test, yet the student often completes it in 10 minutes.
With no courseware to full back on, is a 20 minute game of hangman the only option? Well it might have been but the assessment test does not allow you use of the pen tool.
So here are some things to do to fill up spare time in situations such as this:
1) Review The Questions The Student Got Wrong (And Help Plan Your After-Class Report)
By going through these questions, the student can learn from their mistakes and you can go into detail as to why their answer was incorrect.
You can also make note of this in the chat box to help you fill out your class report.
For example, if they got a lot of the comprehension questions wrong, then you can put an example of the question they got wrong in the chat for later. Copy and paste this into your report and set it again for them as homework so they can perfect it.
2) Engage in Free-Chat or Use the ‘3 Question's' Class Activity
If your student is more advanced and quite the chatterbox, then you don't have too much to worry about when it comes to using the time to engage them in free chat.
However, if your student isn't quite that advanced, then simply use the ‘3 Questions' class activity written out above.
3) Use ManyCam Games or Tips and Tricks
You can quite comfortably keep students entertained and engaged using ManyCam Games, without dancing around without a supply of digital props for 20 minutes.
4) Sing Some Fun ESL Songs Together
If you have a musical instrument like a ukulele, then you can engage in a sing-along with your online student using these 5 ukulele ESL songs.
5) Use Flash cards To Substitute The Courseware
Flash cards are a great tool to have in your belt. They are essentially courseware in your pocket.
You can use them to brush up on your student's vocabulary, or even use them as conversation topics.
Is DaDa a flexible job?
With an average weekly schedule of 15 hours per week, you may find yourself with plenty of time to work on projects on the side.
Some Real-Life Examples of the Flexibility of Working for DaDa
Various teachers pursue creative projects on the side of their designated teaching hours, such as – filmmakers, tutors, musicians, writers and even a football commentator.
It is also very popular amongst parents wanting to stay at home with their young children – after all, children are quite the demanding project!
How to earn the DaDa teacher referral bonus?
There are plenty of opportunities to earn bonuses workings as an online teacher for DaDa.
The referral bonus is the one of the more lucrative ones. Basically how it works is, if you refer someone to teach for DaDa, you will receive a bonus if they get the job and keep it for more than a month.
But what are the best ways to actually get the DaDa referral bonus?
Here's 10 methods for you:
1. Reddit
Reddit is known as the ‘Front page of the internet'. It is essentially thousands of forums known as ‘sub-reddits' where people discuss every topic under the sun.
Why is this relevant?
Well there are plenty of sub-reddits for people seeking work and you can post your referral link as well as a description of the job in an incredibly engaged community. This will generate a lot of traffic to your link!
But there are strict rules on Reddit known as ‘Reddiquette', so be sure to always read the sub-reddit guidelines before posting.
2. Quora
Quora is a question and answer platform where people ask questions to the public on any topic under the sun and then…you guessed it, people answer them.
So someone could ask ‘How do I bake the perfect brownies?' and suddenly there will be dozens of incredibly detailed answers flooding in from people across the internet.
Why is this relevant?
You could write answers to questions such as ‘How do I make money online?' or ‘How can I become an ESL teacher?'
Then write detailed answers describing DaDa and put your referral link at the end inviting them to apply for the company if they match the criteria.
If you pick the right question, then you can find yourself with hundreds of thousands of views on your referral link.
3. Facebook Groups
DaDaABC Teaching Fun isn't the only thriving Facebook community of course. There are endless amounts of groups on Facebook which you can join and become a part of the discussion.
Once you have truly become a valued member of the community, then you can start posting your link in groups such centred on ESL teaching or simply groups for people looking for home-based jobs.
4. ESL Job Boards
You simply create a listing for the DaDa job, describe the requirements and post your referral link at the end. Your listing will then have to be approved by the site.
You may then get some great exposure for your link from people specifically looking for a teaching role.
5. LinkedIn
LinkedIn is essentially the Facebook of the professional world. If you connect with the right people you can find yourself with various great job opportunities.
And if you find yourself connecting with a person who is currently looking for work and meets all the criteria of a DaDa teacher, pop them over your referral link and inform them of all the wonders of teaching online for DaDa.
6. Twitter
By using hashtags on Twitter you can find discussions that are trending such as #WorldTeachersDay for example.
Tweet your referral link with a relevant hashtag, as well as describing the job and you could find a few names popping up on your Recommendation Record.
8. Pinterest
Pinterest is like a search engine with images. People browse through pictures of all their favourite topics.
So if you can make a great looking image using Canva, that entices people to apply for DaDa, then people may click on your image which will have your referral link attached to it.
9. YouTube
If you make a great video advertising valuable information about working as an online English teacher for the company, you can then put your referral link in the description for people to apply!
People who are watching a video on how to become a DaDa teacher are presumably already considering applying for the job, therefore are more likely to apply through your link.
What is the teacher referral record?
In DaDaClass you will find the ‘Referral Record' under the ‘Personal' tab,
Here you will find your referral link which is unique to you. This link will take you to the DaDa website ready for whoever clicked on it to apply to teach for the online education company.
So How Does The DaDa Referral Record Work?
If this person then applies using your link, their name will then appear on your Referral Record.
So the record is laid out like this:
Name | Teacher ID | Application Time | Application Status | Teaching Time | Teacher Referral Bonus
Once they have been hired and completed the minimum teaching time, the referral bonus amount will show and will be processed with your next teaching pay.
How to show up early for class to prepare without your webcam turning on?
Sometimes you may want to enter the class early, to avoid being late in between classes.
So here is a method for ensuring that you are never late for your class.
You can get the same effect, just by putting a sticky-note over your webcam to block it out, but the method below is more professional.
Use ManyCam To Create a Screensaver
Here is a video on the method if you would prefer to watch it in action:
Using ManyCam you can select a blank screen after right clicking on one of the activations. Then on top of the blank screen you can add an image.
Now you need to convert it into the right format for ManyCam and add it into the virtual webcam software. Below is a video where I show how to do this simple process:
Now that you have it in ManyCam, just click on it from your ‘Effects' panel and it should appear on top of your blank screen.
Now you can simply transition to this before you enter each class. This means you can enter the class during your 2 minute break and the student will see the screensaver and not think that the class has started yet.
You can also enter 5 minutes early doing this method for your first class.
Now you can really make the most of your 2 minute breaks and take a half a sip of tea without frantically checking a timer.
Other Great Uses For The ManyCam Screensaver
You can also transition to the screensaver for when the student hasn't turned up for class. This allows you to block out the camera whilst you prepare for your next class or simply have a break.
If there are technical difficulties, you can transition to the screensaver whilst you adjust your settings.
Finally, you can transition to it at the end of class so that you can say goodbye to the student and and close out of the class smoothly.
Always remember to transition to the screensaver at the end of class, otherwise you will come to your class early whilst visible in the camera.
What is the DaDa courseware?
When teaching English online your lesson plan (courseware) is present on the screen.
This creates a great environment for the teacher to lead the lesson based on readily available stories or comprehension and grammar based activities.
So what are the benefits of the DaDa courseware?
1 . Less Preparation Before Each Class For Teachers
2. More Energy To Focus On Making The Class Fun!
3. The Curriculum is of Good Quality Thanks to DaDa's Partnerships
4. The Courseware Provides a Consistent Progression for the Students
Who are partnered with DaDa?
National Geographic are a ‘world leader in geography, cartography and exploration'. It is a magazine that educates readers in the subject of all things geographic.
And National Geographic Learning is their educational expansion that provides global learning programs for English language teaching and much more.
A strand of National Geographic Learning. Reach develops vocabulary, language, writing, reading and content for students.
Through their content, they aspire to layer essential skills to lift students towards independent learning.
Pearson is a learning and education company with specific expertise in educational assessment and courseware. Their mission is to help people open up opportunities in their life through learning.
A division of Pearson focusing on younger learners and assessing their abilities and development through testing, such as scenario-based tests.
Highlights is a monthly magazine aimed at children which has expanded into providing books and gifts. Their mission is to publish content that can help children develop their potential through the joy of learning.
The globally known publishing company of Penguin Random House is responsible for connecting authors with readers through publishing thousands of loved books all over the world.
The American TESOL Institute provides certification for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) and Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL).
Foreign Language Teaching and Research Press
Being partnered with ‘the largest foreign languages publisher and university press in China' ensures a healthy supply of educational material for the DaDa curriculum.
Can I travel whilst teaching for DaDa?
Absolutely. However, if you wish to keep your job whilst travelling, the points below will come in handy…
You are obligated to let DaDa know whenever you change your location.
With the nature of the job, DaDa require a guarantee that your internet connection is up to scratch.
With this in mind, you might be thinking – ‘How can I possibly travel if I have to ensure a good internet speed in every location and constantly let DaDa know?'
Very true. That's why there is a tried and tested formula for best travelling practices whilst teaching online.
It is not incredibly viable to teach in places such as cafes, hostels and hotel lobbies.
This is for numerous reasons:
- Shared public wifi does not equate to great speeds.
- It is pretty unrealistic to use TPR and be animated with a puppet in a public place without being told to leave.
- It is a headache to constantly find places to teach on the move within your contracted hours.
And more importantly…
With DaDa, you are required to use broadband and not public WiFi or 4G.
This is put in place, purely as they are not a reliable connection.
So you might think that you could just get an unlimited data plan on your phone with 4G and set up an internet hotspot for your laptop.
This could mean that you could set up your classroom anywhere with your own personal WiFi.
However, when teachers experimented with this, it created a data usage question. As you may know, ‘unlimited data' isn't exactly unlimited as there is a data cap.
How much mobile data does teaching with DaDa use?
To estimate this, we looked up how much data a Skype video conversation uses…as this is a similar experience to the DaDaClass app.
So a rough estimation of how much data a video call uses is 0.94 MB/min.
This estimation was found from this article.
So let's say, that on a regular teaching day with DaDa you have 3 hours of teaching time which = 180 minutes. So this is around 170 MBs. Times this by 5 days a week and it is 846.
So hypothetically you will be using around 4GB of data a month. However, DaDaClass more than likely exceeds the data usage of Skype, so your 4GB data plan would not be enough, but unlimited would be fine…technically.
So what actually is the best way to travel whilst teaching for DaDa?
It is better to have a solid base for your classroom, such as an AirBnB in whichever destination you choose for your travels. An AirBnB can be booked as a nice private place with an internet connection…this is a much better option than a hostel.
AirBnb is one of the many tools for digital nomads. Digital Nomads are those who travel whilst performing online side hustles to make money, such as, creating niche websites, teaching online, making low content books with Book Bolt.
What are some essential items for teaching with DaDa?
1) Background
This could be as simple as a poster to make your online classroom look brighter.
2) Uniform
The DaDa uniform is a sky blue t-shirt. Preferably sky blue, but you can get away with royal blue…but not navy.
3) Headset with Microphone
View the best headsets for teachers here.
4) A Laptop
View the best laptops for teachers here.
5) Webcam
If your laptop doesn't have a good webcam, you can find the best webcams for teachers here.
6) Props
This can be something simple as a puppet or flashcards. Check more online teaching props here.
7) Payoneer
Payoneer is what you use to receive your pay from DaDa. It is similar to PayPal.
Non-essential but very useful:
ManyCam
Digital props for your webcam if you don't wish to use physical props. You can download it here.
Can I work extra hours with DaDa?
‘Part-time hours' with DaDa are essentially applying for extra hours on top of your contracted hours.
Say you don't want to set in stone that you're gonna work five days a week, you could set your contracted hours as just two days a week.
After doing this, you can then apply for an extra three days worth of hours.
However, you won't be able to do this straight away. The option to apply for part-time hours is only valid once you have been in the job for around 1-2 months.
If the part-time hours tab doesn't appear in DaDaClass after a month, contact your co-ordinator and see if they can get it to appear.
Once it appears, you'll be able to see a timetable. This will display the days of the following week and the time slots available.
The Peak Time for DaDa Extra Hours
The peak time is 6pm – 9pm Beijing time. This is the best time to get class bookings as the students are home from school and they've had their dinner etc. So this will just be a time of mass availability. But you can also book other time slots, as well as around the clock on the weekend. So it's a great little weekend job for you as well if you need extra cash.
Why is the Peak Time Important for Earning More Money?
The difference between your regular contract hours and your applied ‘part-time' hours is that you won't get paid for standby time in your part-time hours. So with your regular contracted hours, you'll be paid half-pay if you're not teaching. Say if a student cancels last minute and you don't teach them, you won't get the full pay – you'll get half pay in your regular contracted hours…but in your part-time hours, you won't get any pay. You're only paid for the time that you're teaching in DaDa part-time hours. So that's the drawback of it as it's not guaranteed money.
How to fix ManyCam sound issues in the DaDa classroom?
(We cannot guarantee any of this working, but these are the methods that have helped me).
It never works 100% of the time for me, but here are some things you can do to give it the best possible chance of working:
1) Get Some Space!
Free up some space on your hard drive. ManyCam runs better after a bit of spring cleaning on your laptop.
You could store the downloaded videos you intend to use through ManyCam on a USB flash drive with lots of free space rather than on your laptop.
(But playing videos using the YouTube URL feature in ManyCam seems to prove more successful than media files).
2) Get The Latest!
Ensure you have the latest update of ManyCam, which you can find on their website.
3) The Right Order!
Make sure that when you start up your computer before teaching, do this sequence in the order displayed below:
a) Plug in headphones
b) Open ManyCam
c) Open DaDaClass
If you plug in your headphones last, the student often can't hear you.
And if you open ManyCam after DaDaClass, then there is no chance of sound in ManyCam videos working.
So this really is the most beneficial sequence to ensure you keep your sound functional.
Can I achieve a TESOL through DaDa?
It is possible to achieve a TESOL certification through DaDa, but there are much cheaper options on the market such as this one here.
How do I book time-off with DaDa?
Just go into DaDaClass on your schedule tab and there will be an ‘Ask for leave' button.
Then you simply select the period of which you wish to take off. You then need to provide a reason and upload some evidence.
Your evidence could be a screenshot of any kind email or proof that explains your intended absence.
And there you go!
What are the rules for booking time off with DaDa?
One thing to keep in mind is that if you take more than two days off in a month, you will be charged 10% of your wages.
This is because you are an independent contractor with the company and this is to accommodate refund fees for classes that you have missed.
So be mindful of that when you want some time off but it's not urgent.
DaDa vs VIPKid (How does DaDa compare to other companies?)
It seems that these two work at home jobs are very similar when it comes to reviews. If we ignore things like time differences causing early risers over in the USA, then it comes down to the main points as follows:
Higher potential to earn more money at VIPKID with the much easier to attain bonuses and booking structure. However, VIPKid class bookings aren't as guaranteed like DaDa and are very competitive. DaDa also has the opportunity to book extra hours alongside your regular students.
DaDa or VIPKID?
So it seems to purely come down to the fact that VIPKID has a very strict cancellation and hiring policy (North American accents), whereas DaDa's hiring policy is open to much more people which makes it a great VIPKid alternative.
And DaDa's regular students structure seems to be popular among teachers who have relished creating connections in the learning environment.
DaDa
This platform is not currently hiring through DigiNo. Please click the button below to see alternative online teaching jobs…
VIPKid
This platform is not currently hiring through DigiNo. Please click the button below to see alternative online teaching jobs…
What do I do about technical issues whilst teaching?
You may find yourself filled with a sense of anxiety when DaDaClass or your internet connection begins to malfunction. However, these things are not your fault and are unavoidable when working with computers. So try not to worry too much.
The ways to fix technical issues
If you ever come into class and you can't hear your student or they can't hear you, simply unplug your headphones, then replug them…then proceed to refresh!
Always go for the refresh button in the top right initially.
If that doesn't do anything, then click the button next to it to call for IT.
Then IT will come up in a chat box and ask the problem. They should then cross a few wires to try and fix things.
So here's a list of things to keep in mind if tech issues arise:
- Don't worry
- Have Chrome open as well as DaDaClass – if one's not working, then go to the other one
- Refresh
- Call IT if refresh didn't work
- Restart your computer
- Unplug and replug your headphones
- Have some clear space on your hard-drive
- Have ManyCam and DaDaClass updated
- Don't have too many tabs open
What are the different class types?
Formal Class
You get regular students that you will see on a week-by-week basis. These types of classes are called ‘Formal Classes' as they are a formality. They are 30 minutes in length.
Interest Class
Interest classes are also 30 minutes long. They are with students that have taken an interest in you based on your profile.
This means they are sampling your class to see if they want you as their regular teacher…or you are simply an online supply teacher as their regular teacher cannot do the class.
These are more often than not with a high ability student, so it's a great opportunity to have a lot of free-talk with the student.
Trial Class
Trial classes are 14 minutes in length and are for students trialling the DaDa experience for the first time!
These classes are normally with lower ability and younger students, so it's very high energy. You want to be using a lot of TPR, props and just generally being animated!
You will also get a bonus when your trial student signs up to DaDa after your class…so there is extra incentive to be as fun as you can in this class!
VIP Trial Class
VIP Trials are also 14 minutes and are with students who have already enrolled in DaDa, so you won't get the conversion bonus for this one!
Think of this one like a half-length interest class.
How do I pass the DaDa demo class?
Be intentional
People worry about whether they are doing something right or in the correct way.
If you worry about whether you are doing something correctly, then you are over-thinking a job where all you've got to do is be entertaining with your body language and ask level-appropriate questions related to a slideshow….and when you draw a mental blank – play a game!
Your first idea is your best idea!
If you act upon your first idea in your demo class…then you will teach without hesitation.
Hesitation confuses the student. Which then in turn, might make you feel as if they can't understand you.
But acting with intention tells the student that this teacher knows what they are doing and it makes them comfortable to interact.
If you intend to bring out your puppet – go for it! Don't hesitate or think it's a bad idea. Go with the flow.
Always think of this as a live TV show and you are the presenter. Put intention behind your actions and keep the show running smoothly.
Be Decisive
You don't want to say something like:
‘OK now we're gonna read…or wait, no, TicTacToe, ah but maybe it's not the right time for a game so let's read.'
Now the student is confused.
When you should just go – ‘Let's read. Great reading, now let's play TicTacToe'.
It doesn't matter if it's the right time for TicTacToe or not – there is no perfect time.
Fun with a little bit of English thrown in.
That's how to always think of online teaching with DaDa. You are not responsible for teaching the students an English foundation…you are responsible for giving them the confidence to use the English they already know.
What is DaDa Freetalk?
DaDa Freetalk is a more flexible version of the online teaching classes offered by DaDa. This is where you open up time slots to be booked for assisted English conversation with ‘freetalk' topics to Chinese students aged 4-16.
Teachers do not require a degree for Freetalk, but the pay is much lower. However, Freetalk is currently closed for hiring.
It is similar to online teaching structures offered by Palfish or Cambly.
How to be a successful Freetalk teacher?
- Personalization: asking questions to help student relate the content or concept to their life
-Asking questions based on the student's reaction
-Make extensions on key word and relate the key words to real life
-Appropriate language use - Feedback：correcting student's errors and gives praise to encourage the student
-Guide the student to say whole sentences
-Correct the student's mistakes (grammar/pronunciation)
-Reward your students and help them to build confidence - Checking understanding: ensuring the student understand concepts and meaning
–Instruction Checking Questions(ICQ) and Concept Checking Questions(CCQ)
-Review what you have learned - Critical thinking (especially for higher level students)
Are DaDa hiring all the time?
Online teaching certainly has peak hiring times, especially around the summer when kids are home from school so parents will want them to have extra tuition. But there are occasions when DaDa may freeze their hiring of new teachers when demand is low outside of these hiring times.
You will know when DaDa is not hiring as DigiNo will automatically recommend you to another company that is hiring when you click to apply for DaDa:
Apply to DaDa
DaDa
This platform is not currently hiring through DigiNo. Please click the button below to see alternative online teaching jobs…
