BruceJones Any class needs to be evaluated objectively if it is a Online TEFL or any subject. Anyone who states a "no" has not taken an online TEFL class, nor have they looked at the dozens of options. Every major university in the US offers online classes, they offer real degrees that have the same weight as they have for 200 years. A good Online TEFL class should have:
1) a university professo
2) a class full of students with peer to peer interaction
3) solid curriculum with homework, quizes, tests, finals, projects, at least 100 hours of classwork
4) be an accredited class
5) have an external practicum (practice teaching) with real ESL students, at least 6 hours but 20 is requested by employeers
6) video component

You get what you pay for Of course a formal in-person, classroom based TEFL course is going to be more interactive, and probably more intense. However, online courses serve a basic purpose: impart basic knowledge in a readily-accessible format. It''s a way to get your feet wet, and equip you with the bare-minimum to get you into the classroom.

Yes they are! yes they are but you must gain practical teaching experience in order to survive in real classroom setting.

Yes indeed!!! I''ve learned loads of useful things from online courses and they were wonderful.