The COVID-19 pandemic suddenly changed the teaching landscape, with many educators being forced to deliver lessons and courses online. To be honest, I cannot believe it was over five years ago since the pandemic. As many educators were forced to become accustomed to online teaching, despite their lack of experience, remote online education has gained recognition as a credible and respected alternative to face-to-face teaching.

Therefore, it is vital these days to have a reliable and professional setup for your online teaching needs regardless whether you are delivering hybrid classes, individual lessons or teaching solely online. In this guide, we will look at the tools and tech that are essential for online teachers which can help you teach more effectively and connect with students.

Hardware Essentials

Desktop Computer or Laptop

The heart of any online teaching setup is a desktop computer or laptop, which is essentially the centre of your operations. Ideally, you should choose a desktop or laptop which is reliable and fast for running various online tutoring software. If you choose an unsuitable computer, it is likely to crash or slowdown affecting the delivery of online to students.

You may have a choice between a desktop or laptop computer, but it much depends on personal preference. If you choose a desktop computer, then the advantage is that the computer is likely to have better performance based on the price, whereas a laptop is great for smaller desks or minimal setups and it is more portable.

What to Consider

Getting a desktop or laptop is great but there are a few things that online teachers should consider.

  • Processor (CPU): You should choose at processor with that is either a Windows Intel i5 or i7 or an Apple M1 or M2 for smoother performance.
  • RAM: A minimum of 8GB of memory, though the more RAM your computer has, the more it is able to handle additional applications.
  • Storage: These days Solid State Drives (SSDs) are used for almost all computers (desktop or laptops), and the minimum that online teachers should ideally use is 512GB.
  • Battery Life: If you are teaching in different locations or travelling, then a laptop would be ideal. However, choosing a laptop with at least 8 hours of battery life would help should you also encounter power outages.
  • Ports and Connectivity: For computers, it is essential to ensure that you setup has enough USB ports as they can be used for adding accessories such as microphones, webcams, etc. For laptops (and desktops to some extent), I find it important that it has HDMI connections so that I can connect to another monitor, expanding my virtual workspace.
  • Internet Connection: To ensure that your computer has stable connection to the internet, I use an Ethernet cable to plug directly. However, WiFi use is quite common for most online teachers.

Laptop Computers for Online Teachers

These are probably the most affordable laptops on the market at the moment which offers great flexibility and scaleability for expanding your online teaching workspace.

  • Apple MacBook M4 Air: This laptop currently has the latest Apple Silicon chip and offers an amazing 18 hours of battery life, 16GB of memory, and 512GB of storage. If you want to expand the ports and connectivity of this laptop, then you could get a dongle.
  • Apple MacBook M4 Pro: This laptop is much like the MacBook M4 Air, but with more ports and opportunities to connect a variety of devices. The other advantage is that the MacBook Pro is usually more powerful and you will not need to upgrade for many years.
  • Dell XPS 13: This Windows laptop has 16GB of memory, with 512GB of SSD storage and runs the latest Windows 11 operating system. There are minimal ports on this laptop though but offers great flexibility to use it in different environments or on your travels.
  • Lenova Thinkpad X1 Carbon: This laptop has, much like previous laptops, 16GB of RAM, an Intel i5 processor, 1TB of SSD storage and runs the latest Windows 11 operating system. There are also a range of ports on this laptop so you can plug in a HDMI to use an external monitor and there are also a range of different USB sockets.

Desktop Computers for Online Teachers

If you want to go down the route of a desktop computer for your online teaching needs, then the following could offer potential for a dedicated workspace for your professional needs.

  • Apple M4 Mac Mini: This small computer is an affordable alternative for professional online teachers are wanting to have a powerful and compact computer. It holds 16GB of memory, 512GB of SSD storage, and a range of ports for connections with USB C and thunderbolt ports, as well as an ethernet connector. If you want an affordable choice with Apple, then this device is for you.
  • Apple iMac M4: The iMac M4 does offer a monitor, keyboard and mouse. Furthermore, this computer also includes 512GB of SSD storage, 16 GB of memory, and the latest M4 processor and there are a range of ports on the back.
  • GMKtec AMD Ryzen 7: This compact computer has a different processor, the AMD Ryzen 7, although the Intel i5 has slightly more processing power. Nonetheless, this computer 32GB of RAM, 1TB of storage, a wide selection of ports on both the front and back, and runs Windows 11 operating system. This is also a cost-effective solution for those that already have a monitor, keyboard, and mouse but wish to update their computer.
  • Horizon PC Tower: This desktop computer is less compact and includes a lot of processing power. Over time, you will be able to upgrade hardware components in the computer but currently it includes an Intel i5, 16GB of RAM, 1TB of storage, and runs Windows 11. There are a wide selection of ports and sockets at the top and back of the desktop computer, and this would be a very good workstation that would run your online tutoring business.

Additional Equipment

There are a range of additional equipment that budding online English teachers need that would help with the delivery of your online lessons.

Webcams

The first thing that I would recommend would be to invest in an external webcam, even if your laptop or desktop has an built-in webcam. The quality of the built-in webcam is usually lower resolution 720p, while external webcams are available from 1080pm or upwards.

  • Logitech C920 HD Pro: The first recommended webcam is sold by Logitech and offers good quality for a mid-ranged price of 1080p at 30 frames per second and you can connect the C920 HD Pro via USB.
  • Logitech StreamCam: This is the webcam that I use for my own online teaching and is much better than my built-in laptop webcam, offering 1080p at 60 frames per second. I also use this webcam for livestreaming, so there are multiple uses for this and it is also quite affordable.
  • Elgato Facecam MK.2: For improved image quality with your webcam Elgato offer this 4K webcam but the connection is with USB C, so you just need to make sure your computer has this port. The only drawback to this webcam is the price.

Microphones

Teaching languages online require potential students to hear you clearly and this is achievable with a good quality microphone. You can either use your computer or headphone microphone, but an external microphone will increase the quality of how your voice is captured and it also looks pretty cool.

  • Blue Yeti Microphone: This external microphone connects to your computer via USB, which includes a condenser which is designed to pick up a variety of frequencies. This microphone will certainly raise the quality of your online teaching delivery and offers an introductory price.
  • RØDE NT-USB Microphone: I purchased this microphone and am incredibly impressed with the quality and it connects to either PC or Mac via a USB cable. This microphone is slightly better quality than the Blue Yeti with a price to match.
  • Elgato Wave:3: This microphone offers the quality capturing of your voice and connects to your computer by a USB C port, so you will need to check that your PC or Mac has such connectivity.

Having a microphone is definitely a step in the right direction, but if having an arm to hold you microphone in place which can be quickly accessed makes your desk look a little less cluttered, and you look a little more professional. It is a worthy investment.

  • Blue Yeti Mic Stand: This small microphone stand is suitable stand for the Blue Yeti Microphone, which offers immediate access to your Blue Yeti Microphone if needed.
  • RØDE PSA1 Professional Studio Arm: This microphone arm works effectively with NT-USB Microphone and clamps easily to the desk that you are using for your teaching. It is an affordable solution and helps elevate your online teaching.
  • Elgato Wave Mic Arm: This swing arm is connects with the Elgato Wave:3 and improves your cable management as well as accessibility with the microphone if required. If you do not need your microphone, then you can move it out the way.

Headphones

Having a good microphone helps students hear what their teacher is saying, but you need to be able to hear what your students are saying with a good set of quality headphones. You can either choose bluetooth or wired headphones, with both having different advantages.

With bluetooth headphones you will have the chance to move around whereas wired headphones are powered when connected and there is no battery. Here are a selection of good quality headphones that I recommend for your online teaching.

Bluetooth Headphones

  • Sony WH-CH520: These are affordable headphones offering great sound quality and I have not had any issues with them.
  • Sony WH-1000XM4: These headphones are more expensive compared to the previous ones but they offer noise cancellation and ten metres detection range from your computer.
  • Beats Studio Pro: These bluetooth headphones hold 40 hours of battery life and can also be connected to your computer via USB C for direct audio.

Wired Headphones

  • Sony MDR-ZX110: The wired headphones are lightweight and a cost effective choice. They offer users the chance to wear them without any discomfort but the overall audio quality might be reduced compared better wired headphones.
  • Sony MDR-7806: These headphones are a better build quality, more comfortable and are better sounding than the previous ones. If you would like reliable headphones then these pair are a suitable choice.
  • Sennheiser HD 560S: The final wired headphones recommended are geared towards audio enthusiasts. Cable length for this is 1.8 metres and gives a little more movement available for online teachers.

Lighting

When teaching online, you could use a good quality webcam, as detailed previously, but if your lighting is poor or you are teaching at night, then it could have a detrimental effect on how students may perceive your presence online. There are a number of benefits of good lighting, such as online students being to see you clearly (i.e., facial expressions, gestures, etc.), makes you appear to be more professional, reduces webcam graininess, and minimises flickering of light in front or behind you.

There are a range of lighting options, with the cheapest placing yourself in front of a window where you have natural light, but the quality is dependent upon a cloudless day or during the day. If you are willing to invest a little in your lighting, then you have a choice between ring lights or softboxes.

Ring Lights

  • UPhitnis 10″ Ring Light: The most affordable ring light can be connected via USB and offers a range of brightness, but you may find this lighting option could potentially be a little fragile.
  • Evershop Ring Light: The next step up in ring lighting would be the Evershop and it provides mounting to the desk so it can be a little more sturdiness.
  • 21 Inch LED Ring Light: This ring light includes a tripod which can be placed behind your laptop or computer’s monitor, and offers some sturdiness. It is a little more expensive but is a solid build.

Softbox Lights

  • RALENO Softbox Lighting Kit: This softbox kit comes along with a tripod, diffuser, and a 50W bulb. It offers online educators the chance to have connect the lighting to a power source for continuous lighting, and this is the most affordable softbox lighting kit.
  • Niceveedi 50: The second softbox lighting kit includes two different softboxes as well as two tripods. The softboxes are powered by plugs and offer continuous lighting. This would certainly make you look professional and clear for any potential online student.
  • Elgato Key Light: This lighting is not exactly a softbox, but offers similar capabilities of a softbox in a compact manner. The lighting is powered through a cable so no batteries are needed. Finally, you are able to connect your smartphone to this key light and change the brightness as well as other settings.

Keyboards

Once you have bought your laptop or desktop computer, you will have to consider getting wired or wireless peripherals such as keyboards and mouse or trackpads. Even if you have a laptop, getting a wireless keyboard and mouse will reduce the need to hover over and typing on a small device.

Wired Keyboards

  • Logitech K120 Wired Business Keyboard: This is a very simple and reliable keyboard that can connect to a laptop or desktop computer via USB. It is cost effective and simple to use.
  • KOORUI Wired Mechanical Keyboard: This wired keyboard is connected to computer via a USB C, so you will need to double check your computer that it has appropriate connectivity.
  • SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini: This is an expensive but high quality wired keyboard which is connected by USB C which offers a range of customisation.

Wireless Keyboards

  • Logitech MK270 Wireless Keyboard: This keyboard connects to a USB receiver which you plug into your laptop or desktop computer. It is affordable solution which offers users the ability to use their keyboard up to a distance of 10 metres, but you will have to change the AAA batteries from time to time.
  • Logitech Pebble Keys 2 K380s: This wireless keyboard peripheral device connects to your computer. It is compact and has a slim style, with pebbled keys. As with all bluetooth connected peripherals, this keyboard could connect to either your computer or laptop.
  • Logitech Signature Slim K950: This keyboard connects to your computer and can be used for either with Windows or Mac devices. It relies on being powered by AAA batteries, so you will have to replace them from time to time.
  • Logitech MX Keys S for Mac: As you can see, Logitech seem to be a quite popular choice for keyboards. If you have a Mac set up for your online teaching, then this keyboard would be the best choice. You do not need to worry about charging with AAA batteries, as this keyboard is charged with USB C.

Wired Mice

  • Logitech M100 Wired Mouse: The first wired mouse that is recommended is from Logitech and is a cheap standard peripheral which is needed for any computer use.
  • Logitech G402 Hyperion Fury Wired Mouse: The second recommend wired mouse would be a little more of an investment. It has eight programmable buttons which can be used for zooming in or out, copying and pasting, or a range of other uses. It would make online usage quicker and easier.
  • Redragon M612 Predator RGB Gaming Mouse: This wired mouse, which is not from Logitech, has 11 programmable buttons which can be used in varying ways. Furthermore, it offers value for money compared to other brands.

Wireless Mice

  • Logitech M185 Wireless Mouse: This particular mouse has a USB receiver which you plug into your computer and then it connects to the mouse. It is very much similar to the MK270 Wireless Keyboard, with a similar price to match. You will have to replace the AA batteries in the mouse from time to time, but this mouse offers affordable access to a wireless mouse.
  • Logitech MX Anywhere 2S Wireless Mouse: This second wireless mouse by Logitech offers bluetooth connectivity to any device which could be either laptop, desktop, tablet, or even iPad. Apparently, it takes 3 minutes time to charge for the battery to last a whole day.
  • Logitech MX Master 2S Wireless Mouse: This wireless mouse does not rely upon a USB receiver, as it connects via bluetooth. It can connect to any device which has bluetooth available, which could mean either Windows or Mac devices.

Trackpad

  • Apple Magic Trackpad: If you have chosen to purchase an Apple iMac, Mac Mini, or MacBook, then it would make sense to purchase an Apple Magic Trackpad. I have one as I wanted to place my MacBook a little further away while I worked online. Using a trackpad gave me a little more flexibility to work at distance. It is charged by a USB C cable and lasts quite a while once fully charged.

Computer Monitors

If you have purchased a desktop or laptop computer, then it makes sense to purchase a monitor for your online teaching use. There are opportunities for desktop computers to extend your screen, by using two monitors side by side. However, most online teachers and educational professionals will usually use one monitor. Personally, I use my laptop and connect a second monitor to it so I have a little more space to move things around, but everyone will have a preference.

Laptop or Desktop Displays

  • Samsung LS22 C310: This monitor is an entry level monitor for online teachers with a screensize of 22 inches. It might be slightly small, with most monitors being getting towards 30 inches or more.
  • Samsung Odyssey G5: This 27″ monitor (expandable up to 34″) connects to computers via a HDMI socket on the back. It offers people to purchase either a curved or flat screen, but it all depends on your preference.
  • LG UltraGear Curved Monitor: LG do produce some good monitors and this 32″ screen offers HDMI connectivity. It offers plenty of screen space where you can drag around folders and other applications while teaching online.
  • Apple Studio Display: This is the ultimate display for those that have an Apple Mac Mini or other Mac device to connect, with a price to match. If you really want to splash out and get a quality display, then this only disappoint your bank balance.

Desks and Seating

The final consideration for your workspace is the use of a desk as well as possible seating. It is usually given little thought, but if you are going to be sitting down for a period of time in front of a computer, then it would make sense that you have a good desk and comfortable seating.

Traditional Desks

The first choice to consider is a traditional desk where you can sit down and work from. Here is a choice of desks for your online teaching needs.

  • Vasagle Computer Desk: This is a simple sit-down desk where you can place a laptop or small desktop computer along with a monitor. It is a cost effective solution to get a functional desk.
  • Bexevue L Shaped Desk: This desk is an affordable choice for teachers who need a little more space to spread out their work or equipment. You will have space to add two displays as well as a microphone with a swing arm.
  • LVB Large Home Office Desk: This a very large desk which is solidly built and will last a good number of years. It has enough space to spread out any equipment or material that you use.

Standing Desks

Sitting down for an extended period of time is not good for anyone and it is recommended to stand whenever you can, especially if you work from home. Here are a selection of standing desks which are becoming more popular these days.

  • Jummico Electric Standing Desk: This desk’s height can be adjusted by pressing a button. Furthermore, this desk is offers this at an affordable price and will offer users a chance to stand while giving online lessons.
  • VIVO Electric Desk: This is a solid standing desk that can accommodate monitors, microphone swing arms, computers, peripherals and alike. It will help reduce any fatigue that could be caused from sitting for long periods.
  • Desktronic HomeOne Standing Desk: This standing desk offers memory presets for height adjustments should you have multiple preferences. Much like previous standing desks, this has enough space to accommodate multiple peripherals.

Seating

If you would like to sit down while teaching, it is therefore important to consider comfortability. After sitting down for a few hours, poor posture could lead to aches and pains, causing issues for teaching online. Here are some recommended seats.

  • Marsail Ergonomic Mesh Office Chair: This is a simple chair which is light and easy to move around. The larger or heavy the chair, the more complicated it is to move around.
  • SIHOO M102C Ergonomic Mesh Office Chair: This chair is slightly more expensive than the previous one but some simplicity. You may want to consider this if you are on a budget.
  • EXCEBET Ergonomic Office Chair: This is a very comfortable chair that will help you feel at ease while teaching or working at your desk. It is a little expensive but well worth considering.

Final Points

It is always important to find a room or place in your home which has limited noise or distractions for both yourself and students, when you are working. If you are able to personalise your workspace, then you will feel at ease when teaching online and it is always a good idea to keep your workspace tidy.

Secondly, you may also want to consider how you would connect to the internet as well as where it is located in your home. If you access to an ethernet connection, it will increase internet speed and improve connectivity for streaming or delivering lessons to students.

I hope this guide has helped and if you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments.