Online teachers have one of the greatest jobs in the world. You can work from the comfort of your own home, while interacting with students from all over the globe. To be successful as an online teacher, there are some essential items you should have. These will improve the quality of your lessons, give students a better learning experience and make you more comfortable during class. 

Since this week is Boxing Week, many of these items will be on sale, so it’s the perfect time to make a purchase or an upgrade if you are considering buying these 10 items at some point! 

1) Laptop/Computer

A good laptop or computer is absolutely necessary for an online teacher. It is your workspace, so you want to make sure to have a computer that runs smoothly and does not give you problems during class. Even as you’re prepping lessons or grading homework, you want to have a reliable computer that won’t crash on you or freeze up and waste your time.

2) Webcam

If your computer lacks a built-in webcam or the built-in webcam is not of good quality, then you should consider buying an external webcam. Having higher quality videos in your classes allows students to see you clearer and to read your lips if you are teaching pronunciation. A good webcam also ensures that your supplementary props and backgrounds can be seen clearly. 

3) Headset with microphone

We’ve all been in classes where students cannot hear us properly or vice versa. A lot of these issues can be solved simply by having a better headset with a good microphone. If you invest in a high quality pair, it can last you for many years and save you lots of headaches around sound issues during class. 

4) Writing tablet

If you like to do a lot of writing and drawing on virtual whiteboards, having a writing tablet will prevent your hand from cramping up and allow you to write a lot faster. With the writing tablet and digital pen, it will feel like you’re using pen and paper. This is a much more comfortable experience than using a trackpad or mouse. 

5) Laptop stand

Using a laptop at table level or on your lap will put a strain on your neck as you need to bend your neck to see the screen. For a more comfortable experience with laptops, consider getting a laptop stand where you can adjust the height of the laptop to eye level. This helps you have better posture and prevents you from hunching over. 

6) Reliable internet service

Having a reliable internet service is key for online teachers. It’s extremely frustrating for everyone involved when the internet is not working properly during a class. If you’ve had a rough year with WiFi due to your internet provider, Boxing Week may be a good time to switch as many companies are offering deals. 

7) Better phone plan

Sometimes things don’t always go as planned with your internet connection even if you use the best provider in the region. You may at times need to use your phone’s hotspot as backup internet for a class. Boxing Week may offer some excellent deals with phone companies, so take a look and see if you can upgrade your plan to get more data. 

8) Comfortable chair

Teaching online requires sitting for many hours. so you want to make sure you have a comfortable chair that gives your back solid support. Look for ergonomic chairs that protect your back and shoulders. You may also want to put a cushion underneath you for more comfort and adjust the chair height so your arms are resting comfortably on the keyboard.

9) Teaching desk

On your teaching desk, you’ll need space not only for your computer, but also supplementary teaching materials depending on the subject you teach. Make sure you have a  desk that has enough space on the surface as well as drawers to put additional materials in. You also want to make sure that your desk gives you enough leg room.

10) Lamp/light bulb

A good light source can brighten up your class, literally. Students have a better learning experience when they can see their teacher clearly as well as whatever their teacher is showing through the camera. If you use a lot of props and background images, you want to make sure you have a good lamp or lighting system so everything is clear.  

Would you consider getting any of these items this Boxing Week? Are there any other essential items online teachers should have? Let us know in the comments below!