Teaching Online Equipment
There are a few basic items that you need to get started teaching online.
At the very minimum you need a computer (desktop or laptop) that has a built-in or external webcam.
You will also need a headset with an attached microphone, as well as a stable internet connection.
You should have good lighting when you are teaching, as well so that the students can see you clearly.
In addition, we recommend that you have a few other key items such a:
a professional background
a whiteboard
flash cards
And for teaching children, you might need:
finger puppets
a reward system
How much money could you earn?
Calculate salary »Headsets
Logitech H110/H111 headset
If you’re on a budget this headset is a perfect pair to get you started teaching online
Mpow USB Headset
If you want some additional controls for your headset, check this one out.
Turtle Beach Recon 200
If you want to take a deep dive into teaching English online this pair of headphones has got it all.
Webcams
Microsoft HD-3000 web cam with built-in microphone
If you want a webcamera that will display an HD picture without breaking the bank choose this one. It also has a build-in microphone which means that you won’t need a headset if you don’t want to. Score!
Logitech C920S HD web cam with built-in microphone
This Logitech webcam is super flexible. It has an HD camera so that your students will see you perfectly, and it also comes with a built-in microphone that you can use instead of a headset!
Backgrounds
Peel and stick world map wall sticker
Easy and fun background to set up and move around. Perfect for when you’re traveling or don’t want to make holes in your wall!
World map poster
A world map poster to brighten up your background.
White paper roll
If you don’t have a plain wall at home, you can use this big sheet of paper to put behind you for a professional look. You can buy a stand to put it on, or fasten it directly on a wall with some pins or tape.
Tip: If in a pinch, you can always use a white sheet as a background!
Whiteboards
Self-adhesive whiteboard for walls
Can stick to any wall and is easy to pack if you’re on the move
Magnetic table-top whiteboard with the alphabet
Magnetic whiteboards are perfect for when you want to be able to stick rewards and fun magnets onto your whiteboard
Other resources
Finger and hand puppets
There are loads of different ones to choose from!
Flashcards
Alphabet flashcards for teaching very young learners.
Phonetics flashcards for helping your students with their pronounciation
Play food
Perfect for when you’re teaching about different foods.
Magnetic dress-up dolls
Magnetic dolls are perfect for learning about clothes. You can find both girl and boy dress-up dolls and there are even ones for different occupations.
Other helpful resources
Mobile phone holder
This will make your life easier if you’re teaching using your mobile phone.
Laptop stand
If you will be working on your laptop for multiple hours a day, a laptop stand will save your back and neck.
Fellowes Lunar Laminator
If you’re planning on creating your own resources, you might want to laminate them so that they will last for many lessons to come.
Reward systems
Magnetic stars
Stars work for both children and adults. If you’ve got a magnetic whiteboard you can easily put them there.
Tip: If you don’t want to use magnets you can always use stickers!
Magnetic animals
You can also use animal magnets or stickers as rewards. An extra bonus for the repetition of animal names!
