15 Essential Items & Equipment for Online Teaching in 2023

When starting any new job, it’s normal to worry about what supplies you’ll need in order to successfully do your job. Luckily, the equipment for online teaching is pretty straightforward and you won’t need a lot of specialized tools or resources.

I’ve been teaching English online since 2017 and have mastered my online classroom! I’ve used a lot of different types of equipment for online teaching over the years, with different degrees of success. Now, I know exactly what I need to be the most effective teacher possible.

15 Essential Items & Equipment for Online Teaching

In this post, I’ll break down exactly what equipment you’ll need for online teaching and how to choose the best supplies and resources. This is based on my more than six years of personal experience as an online teacher.

I’ll divide these 15 items into three categories: must-have technology, must-have equipment, and educational resources.

Must-Have Technology for an Online Classroom

If the name didn’t give it away, your new job as an online English teacher will involve a bit of technology.

Though there is some variation between companies, you’ll definitely need a teaching device such as a laptop or tablet, a headset with a microphone attachment, and a strong internet connection.

Here’s a list of the equipment for online teaching when it comes to tech:

1. Laptop or Tablet

For most online ESL companies, having a relatively new desktop or laptop computer will be sufficient for online teaching.

Some companies will allow you to teach from an iPad. Companies such as Palfish even let you teach from your smartphone.

No matter which device you’re using, make sure you’ve updated your operating system. On a laptop or desktop, you’ll need to use at least Windows 7 or Mac OS 10.8. You’ll also need to make sure you’re running the latest version of Flash.

2. HD Camera

Most modern computers have a built-in HD camera that will work just fine for your online English classes. If you’re using an older computer or a desktop without a built-in camera, you’ll need to buy an HD external camera so your students can see your face and teaching resources — in focus.

Click here to compare costs and brands of HD cameras on Amazon.

3. Headset with Microphone

All online teaching jobs will require some kind of headset with a microphone attachment. This is because teaching without one can cause a weird echo sound for…