Discover the awesome world of online English teaching! It's a cool gig that lets you work from home and choose your hours, perfect for students or retirees. Earn a decent salary by setting your rates or working for a company. No age limits – if you've got the time and qualifications, you can dive into the fulfilling world of online English tutoring.
But wait, do you need to break the bank on fancy equipment? Nope! While there are some tech requirements, they don't have to be pricey. You don't need a computer with the power of a particle accelerator! Let's chat about the tech needs for online teaching, and you'll see it's not as expensive as you might think. Quality gear can be a game-changer, so investing a bit is worth it if you're serious about teaching English online.
Why good tech is important
When you're online, your image matters a lot. You don't need to be iconic, but looking the part is key to attracting clients. Clients spend money, so they want quality. Using top-notch teaching tech makes a tutor more likely to find work.
Reliability is crucial too. If you have lots of students, your setup needs to be effective and efficient. Investing in brand-name, well-reviewed hardware may cost more upfront, but it saves you money in the long run. Plus, it makes things easier for you. If your equipment keeps acting up during lessons, it doesn't help anyone – especially not you. And canceling lessons means losing money!
Computer
Of course, it's pretty clear, but just to be clear: you'll generally need a computer for most online English classes, although there are a few language learning apps for smartphones. Make sure your computer is fairly new, has enough memory, and has updated software (including antivirus protection).
Reliable internet connection
If you're thinking about teaching English online, having a super reliable internet connection is key. Most online teaching companies will check your internet speed during the interview and regularly afterward.
Don't just rely on how fast your regular browsing feels. The real test is how well your connection handles streaming and calls. Upload speed is just as crucial as download speed for this.
You can easily check your speed on Google by searching "test internet speed," or try Fast.com and Speedtest.net. Typically, online teaching platforms look for a minimum speed of 2Mbps for both download and upload.
Webcam
Ever thought about upgrading your webcam? Most laptops have one built-in, but they're not always top-notch. Consider grabbing an external webcam for better quality.
Check out this Buyers Guide for top-notch webcams with individual specs. And guess what? Good cameras are more affordable now, so you don't have to break the bank. You can snag a great one for £50/$40 or less unless you're planning to make YouTube teaching content.
Microphone
Did you know that computers, earbuds, and phones often come with built-in microphones? But here's the deal - if you're teaching awesome students from all over the globe, you'll want to be crystal clear!
Consider grabbing a separate microphone (think about the quality and durability). A decent one will give you top-notch, broadcast-level sound for years. If you're on a budget, there are plenty of other brands offering great microphones. Just be sure to check out those reviews!
A reliable microphone is as essential as a good webcam. It's an investment that lets you record lessons and share awesome content on teaching platforms or YouTube. Loads of teachers are rocking it online, sharing tips and classes.
Headphones
Ever been on a video call where the noise was like a wild beast because someone forgot their headphones? Remember those Zoom quizzes during the pandemic? Is bad audio ruining the fun for everyone? Totally cool if you're not a pro-teacher, but if you are, it's a big no-no.
Here's the deal: better sound = better lessons. So, as a pro move, wear headphones even if you're teaching from home. It helps you hear your student better and keeps their voice from disturbing others. No one wants to pay for a lesson with a teacher in a noisy coffee shop with the volume cranked up!
Plus, headphones give you freedom. Throw your laptop, mic, webcam, and headphones in a backpack, and boom! You can teach from wherever. And hey, consider headsets—they're not just for gamers, they're a hit for teachers too!
Resources for teachers
So that’s all the physical hardware you’ll need to teach English. Here, though, are some really helpful online resources that we like a lot. Once you’ve used them, you’ll wonder how you taught (or planned to teach) without them!
- Teachers.io is an excellent planning and scheduling tool for teachers and students alike!
- Planboard is another option for lesson planning, with an easy-to-use interface and accessibility across desktop, mobile and tablet.
- Want to create attractive digital worksheets? Wizer is the place to go!
- Google Docs is an essential port of call, for everything from writing up lesson plans to invoices and everything in between.
Technology is your friend!
Teaching English online doesn't have to break the bank! While it might seem costly to get started, the tools and hardware you need are more affordable now. With fantastic online teaching platforms and a high demand for English teachers, it's a worthwhile investment!
You don't have to spend a fortune; check reviews, find reliable tech within your budget, and start teaching. It's that simple!
Explore our top-notch 120-Hour Online Advanced TEFL certificate, recognized worldwide.
