Previously in this guide, I talked about the skills and qualifications you need in order to be an Online English Teacher.
But there is more to this than just having strong communication skills and teaching knowledge.
You also need the right tools and equipment.
This includes a reliable computer and a stable internet connection.
But also having the best software can make a huge difference in how professional and engaging your lessons can be.
In Part Three of my Ultimate Guide To Being An Online English Teacher, I will break down all the essential tools you need.
I will cover the kind of hardware you should have and the software that is a must for your online teaching career.
Together, these things can create a seamless and professional online teaching experience for you and your students.
So, let’s get started…
The Hardware
You will need a certain amount of equipment to do Online English Teaching.
Basic technology is the very backbone of a successful Online English Teaching setup.
Let’s go through all of these one by one.
You will need the following things:
Computer
Of course, you will need a reliable computer!
Ideally, it should have a strong processor (Intel Core i5 or higher) to ensure a smooth performance during video calls and multitasking.
Your computer should also have a decent amount of RAM (at the very least 8GB) that will allow you to run multiple apps without lagging.
Your computer should also have a functional camera and mic if you are not using external ones.
(But you should ideally use external ones).
Webcam and Headset with Noise-Cancelling Features
Yes, you can use the camera and mic on your computer, but having an external webcam and headset with a mic is much, much better.
Webcam
It would be wise to invest in an HD webcam with 1080p resolution.
This can provide a clear video feed, making your lessons more engaging and professional.
Here are some very good choices for webcams below:
Logitech Brio 500 (Full HD 1080p with RightLight 4)
HAMA C-900 Pro (4K UHD webcam)
Logitech C920 HD Pro (Full HD 1080p, dual mics)
Trust Taxon 2K QHD (2560x1440p webcam)
Headset
Try to use a noise-cancelling headset with a built-in mic that can reduce background noise and ensure crystal-clear communication with your students.
Brands like Logitech, Jabra and HyperX are great options.
Check these headsets:
Logitech G PRO X 2 LIGHTSPEED Wireless Headset
Jabra Evolve2 85 Wireless Headset
HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless Headset
Stable High-Speed Internet Connection
You will need a fast and stable internet connection.
Without this, how can you possibly run your online classes?
You should ideally have an internet speed of at least 10Mbps for both upload and download.
Use a wired Ethernet connection instead of Wi-Fi if possible to ensure a more consistent performance.
The Software
And as I mentioned earlier in this guide, you will need access to certain software and platforms.
Let’s take a closer look at what you will need to use.
Video Conferencing Tools
As I said before, you are likely to use the following video conferencing platforms:
These apps are very popular for Online English Teaching.
These platforms enable you to have live video interaction, screen sharing and chat with your students too.
Zoom
Zoom is one of the most popular video conferencing platforms.
I think the following features make it well-liked by Online English Teachers:
- Virtual backgrounds
- Breakout rooms
- Annotation tools
- Shared screen
- Chat facility
These features can make your lessons feel more interactive and engaging for the students.
Virtual Whiteboards
There are also virtual whiteboards, such as
These can act as digital whiteboards for when you need to explain concepts visually.
Excellent for going over grammar exercises, vocabulary brainstorming or collaborative activities.
Lesson Planning Tools
Then you have lesson planning tools to help you create your lesson plans.
The one I like myself is Canva. I am not affiliated with this company, but I like it all the same.
There is also LessonUp. I have not used this but I have heard good things about it.
If you have experience of it, please let me know!
Using these kinds of platforms can help you design your lesson plans and make them look highly professional.
Payment Platforms
The Workspace
Ideally, you will need a quiet, distraction-free environment.
Your teaching environment should be free from noise and interruptions to maintain a professional atmosphere.
If you live with your family or other housemates, tell them about your teaching schedule to minimize disturbances.
I know this may be difficult for many people, but that is the ideal situation.
You are teaching students online and on the screen they should only see you. And in their headphones, they should only hear your voice.
Professional Background
Try to keep your background clean and tidy.
A plain wall or bookshelf works very well.
But if you don’t have that, you can use a professional virtual background if your teaching platform supports it.
Zoom does — check others.
Some teachers like to use backgrounds with educational themes, such as a world map, a graphic of the English alphabet, or maybe a motivational poster.
This can make the space look more inviting, especially if you are teaching kids.
Lighting
Good lighting will enhance the quality of your video.
It will also keep you visible to your students.
Natural light works well, but if that is not an option, invest in a light ring or softbox lighting for a professional appearance.
Additional Tips
You need to regularly update and maintain all your equipment and software to avoid disruptions.
Do regular tests on your setup.
Test it before your classes, especially if you are using new tools or platforms.
Use cloud storage, such as
This ensures keeping your backups of teaching files and lesson plans safe and easily accessible.
This will enable you to grab them anywhere.
Conclusion
Setting yourself up with the right technology, workspace, and software is key to running successful online English lessons.
A high-quality computer, a strong internet connection, and the right video conferencing tools will help you deliver smooth, engaging lessons to your students.
I know this sounds like a lot of equipment to invest in.
But the more professional your attitude is to the equipment you use, the better you can do your job.
The very basic equipment you will need will be a computer.
No, you cannot do your online classes using your smartphone!
Your students will not like it and it will give a bad impression.
A computer, at the very least, is required.
Now that you have the tools in place, it’s time to find students and build your teaching business!
In Part Four, we’ll explore the best platforms to start teaching, how to market yourself, and strategies to attract more students.
