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  Doc Dave · May 15, 2010 at 12:25 pm

  Review by Doc Dave for Make Money Teaching Online: How to Land Your First Academic Job, Build Credibility, and Earn a Six-Figure Salary
  Rating:
  The authors provide a nice overview of online teaching, including a lot of important considerations for job seekers (many of which apply equally well to those looking for jobs outside the realm of online education). The advice seems honest, and the authors admit that, unfortunately, there is no single source, website or service that will provide you with access to all the job listings/opportunities that are available. I didn’t find anything new among the websites they suggest monitoring for job opportunities, but this doesn’t mean that you won’t…it may depend on how much research you’ve already done. Their advice on strategies for making inquiries, even when no opportunities are listed, seems reasonable and should be helpful to many.

  There was a good deal of emphasis on how to use and maximize current technologies, along with accounts of the authors preferences. I had hoped there would be more focus on the actual online teaching process…e.g., tips for addressing common problems students encounter in adapting to discussion forum-based learning, etc. Granted, the advice may help you to be more organized and efficient, and therefore give you more time to think about how to manage e-classroom issues and improve your teaching techniques. Nevertheless, managing relationships with institutions, administrators and other online-teachers is covered reasonably well, but not so extensively for the online student/teacher relationship. I can’t fault the book too much for these issues however, as the title is “Make Money Teaching Online,” and not “How to Teach Online.”

  This brings up another aspect that I found troubling, in the subtitle implication that the book will show you how to “earn a six-figure salary” from online teaching. Although I don’t doubt that it is possible for those who manage their time exceptionally well, I have my doubts as to whether this is realistic for all but the most committed and hardworking teachers, as well as some others who may likely be precariously overextended and therefore of little utility to their students. The advice in this book may well help online teachers to be more organized and maximize their time, possibly allowing them to take on extra work. However, is it really necessary or advisable to promote online teaching in this way? Overall, the book does makes a pretty nice guide for career exploration, especially for those who already have a little bit of classroom-based teaching experience and are interested in pursuing online opportunities. I wouldn’t recommend going into this field if extremely high earnings are your primary motivator however.

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  Rabid Reader · May 15, 2010 at 1:02 pm

  Review by Rabid Reader for Make Money Teaching Online: How to Land Your First Academic Job, Build Credibility, and Earn a Six-Figure Salary
  Rating:
  I teach for both a state university and for an online university. I cannot imagine what this author is trying to sell. The money in teaching adjunct and online is notoriously low in most cases. I suspect that if the author is making six figures, it is from book sales. I have never encountered a legitimate teaching institution that would accept less than a master’s degree. After viewing the Today show interview, I was convinced that the author was not being wholly honest. Beware.

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  Becky T. · May 15, 2010 at 1:30 pm

  Review by Becky T. for Make Money Teaching Online: How to Land Your First Academic Job, Build Credibility, and Earn a Six-Figure Salary
  Rating:
  As a current student of an online advanced-degree program, who is considering teaching in the growing online educational industry, I highly recommend “Make Money Teaching Online.” It is one of those rare reference (how-to) books that is actually compelling and provides helpful insights in every chapter (note: I found that skipping around by chapter and segments provides information but reading the book in totality really maximizes the overall experience). The authors both have doctoral degrees and solid histories of teaching online, but unlike typical research work, the book includes their personal insights and stories which make the information easy to understand and retain, in a one-on-one coaching style.

  This is an excellent book for those interested in teaching online and even for those considering enrolling in a school with online degrees (as it provides a clear, inside perspective of the online education industry). From its initial information on the credibility of online schools, to its step-by-step job hunting directions, to what to expect in benefits and compensation, down to its “Must-Have Technologies” chapter, this book has been thoughtfully and meticulously written. I appreciate that it is not a glossy motivational book but one that is seemingly grounded in reality and honesty.

  My only question was why these authors have so generously given of their experience and information which will only increase the competition…my peers who have had classes facilitated by Dr. Mirabella have said that he is extremely responsive and intensely focused on their learning, so I have to assume it is about the genuine passion to teach and help others (book royalties only go so far)…Whatever the reason for their book however, their enthusiasm and dedication make for a refreshing, must-read.

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  Dr. JOT · May 15, 2010 at 1:31 pm

  Review by Dr. JOT for Make Money Teaching Online: How to Land Your First Academic Job, Build Credibility, and Earn a Six-Figure Salary
  Rating:
  A list of registrar’s — oh please – easy to find out WITHOUT this book or the seminar as is a pay scale. The only people who are getting anything from this book and the seminars are the authors.

  This falls under the same category as make millions in real estate, make millions buying and selling on e-bay.

  A con

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  Dennis Dow · May 15, 2010 at 2:17 pm

  Review by Dennis Dow for Make Money Teaching Online: How to Land Your First Academic Job, Build Credibility, and Earn a Six-Figure Salary
  Rating:
  I’m a professional paranoid, so I was pretty suspicious that the book would be some get rich quick scheme. It isn’t. This is a very sound book that make a pretty convencing demonstration that one can take solid academic credentials and some teaching experience and work at home. The authors are well experienced in the field and made comments regarding online tools that I also share about the same tools. They do indeed know what they are talking about.

  If you have a masters or (better) terminal degree in your field, love teaching and mentoring, and want to work at home full time, this is an excellent book.

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