Teaching Online: 20 Tech Supplies to Set You Up For Success

20 Tech Supplies You Need to Teach Online 

Introduction

Teaching online can sound like an easy feat; but as we all learned during the 2020 quarantine, it is anything but. Teaching online has its own specific challenges and benefits: you can reach more students, but you also have to worry about engaging students in a completely different way. 

The first thing we can do as online instructors is to set ourselves up for success, so that our students can follow our lead. Below, you will find a variety of tech supplies, which I use consistently as an online instructor that teaches from home. Feel free to look into each one to pick and choose what works best for your needs and your budget.

Note that there are affiliate links where I may receive a small portion back for curating this list for you. None of these brands have given me these products or asked me to share my experience. I completed my own extensive research before choosing which products I purchased and use everyday.

Video Content

• Logitech c920 webcam: https://amzn.to/32nQ3Xy 
• I have gotten so many compliments on this webcam. Students say I look so clear and ask what camera I have. They expect a super high tech one, but Logitech does it again. Plus, it comes with a recording software to make it easy to record my screen or my face or both in a variety of formats. As an online instructor, that last part makes it worth the price all by itself. 
• Neewer Ring Light: https://amzn.to/3o43N1e
• I use this Ring Light to hold up my webcam and offer a front-facing, soft light on my face. It keeps everything at the right angle and makes my video look amazing. It's easy to set up, plus you can take it with you too. I actually used it as a photo booth for my sister's baby shower and attached my phone. It worked wonderfully with the little remote that comes with it.
• Ipevo document camera: https://amzn.to/3KxRtQf 
• This little baby has helped me Sooo many times with online instruction. Sometimes, you just need to model for students. This small, collapsible device allows you to do just that. I love that I can show students how to annotate and walk through assignments or problems even though we are working in a different platform. Plus. I didn't have to pay for a fancy doc cam like we have in the classrooms. 

Accessories

• Logitech Multimedia speakers: https://amzn.to/3FLpitK 
• These speakers are clear and help you hear your students, videos, or own recordings with ease. They are simple, yet they follow along with the Logitech brand and last. Both my friends and I have these speakers and they work great for all of us. 
• Anker USB and USB C cable: https://amzn.to/32C3cMC 
• I have never gone wrong with Anker as a brand, so if you need an accessory or cable, I would go with their options. This one connects a USB to a USB C, which is very helpful as more tech moves to the USB C option. I have also gotten a USB hub so that I can plug all of my devices into one area and not use up all my laptop ports.
• Here is the Anker hub I have used: https://amzn.to/3p8RPU1 
• Logitech wireless mouse: https://amzn.to/3g0SYse 
• Logitech wireless mouse is a must if you are going to try and be on your computer for long amounts of time. Just like with the speakers, Logitech lasts and I appreciate how I can keep one device for many years and switch between multiple products. The fit is nice and it doesn't cramp up hand after an hour of use.
• Seagate backup slim 2TB: https://amzn.to/3G8HYDV 
• Always have your work backed up somewhere safe. I prefer a Seagate backup and have been upgrading to various sizes for years. I appreciate the ease of backing up my work as well as how slim and light it is to carry my work with me. Plus, it means you can spend less on a hard drive in your computer and instead have this to carry from device to device as needed.

Earbuds and Microphones

• USB microphone: https://amzn.to/3fGQpeD  
• This easy to use USB microphone makes my audio clear to understand without the big price tag attached to other microphone options. I decided to spend more on the computer itself than the upgraded microphone; however I think this addition really gets rid of the background noise during recording and live sessions. My neighbor's dog barks quite a bit and my students say they can't even hear him.
• Boltune Wireless Earbuds: https://amzn.to/3FGo0QE 
• I first started out with these earbuds to hear my students' responses better. For someone with hearing issues, this was essential. The earbuds worked well for quite some time of daily use, especially considering the price. However, they are definitely not going to last forever. 
• Bose wireless earbuds (Sport): https://amzn.to/3qM4Apj 
• These earbuds (though meant for sport use) are great for my live sessions with students. The quality is sharper and clearer and the battery lasts longer. Plus, they are more comfortable in your ears and have the Bose Brand to back them. 

Computers

• Samsung laptop: https://amzn.to/3AKwzJh 
• This is the laptop that I ultimately ended up getting. I knew that I needed space for videos and to have a Bunch of different tabs open at a time (because sometimes teacher brain is just like that). I have had it for about a year now and really haven't had any bad experiences. Right after I got it it shut down on me a few random times, but then all smooth sailing from there. I love that it is super light weight and that I can convert it to however I need to use it. Plus the pen let's me write down my notes. But if you aren't going to be streaming or saving large video files directly to your laptop, feel free to find something cheaper. I only made this choice because it had Everything I needed in one device.
• Lenovo 2 in 1: https://amzn.to/3fZAg4p 
• Also a great laptop option. Though I did not end up purchasing this one, I trust the Lenovo brand for its longitudinal usage and durability. I have also recommended this and other Lenovo 2 in 1 laptops to my family and friends and they have loved the choice.
• Dell Gaming Monitor: https://amzn.to/3nKpW4h 
• I chose a Gaming Monitor specifically for the ability to record my screen without any lag or color issues. You can of course find a non-gaming computer if you are not streaming or recording your screen; but this one is a solid option and has served me well as I have recorded various videos for my students.
• Desktop
• You can also choose a desktop for more power and space. I have one in my office though I love the versatility of my laptop.

Wi-Fi Support

• Netgear Nighthawk router: https://amzn.to/33PWFyI 
• If you decide to have both a router and a modem or your internet provider has given you a modem already, the Nighthawk by Netgear does very well. It lasted me nearly 5 years before it started to become inconsistent and kept dropping signal.
• TP link modem: https://amzn.to/3IFY89m 
• I found this simple modem after a bunch of online research and it definitely came through. Just like with the router, it lasted a solid 4-5 years before starting to have some issues.
• Nighthawk two in one router and modem: https://amzn.to/3g1pqdV
• I chose this option most recently. I got tired of the 2 device system and went for an all in one. I've read up on the benefits of both and it really didn't seem like too much of a difference. And now I don't have to pay the Internet company to rent their modem/router combo either. I have had this one since January 2022 and it has been great. I have not lost any signal unless the full internet went out. It also gives you extra security options which I appreciate.

Battery and Power

• Amazon Basics power outlet: https://amzn.to/3GMCOyo 
• Gotta have power. And with all these devices, we need somewhere to plug them all in a simple Amazon Basics power outlet will do just the trick. 
• Anker external battery: https://amzn.to/3G3NbN7 
• Or https://amzn.to/3G84ble  (smaller)
• Get an extra battery to make sure you never run out of juice at the worst possible moment. Anker does a great job with portable batteries. I am still using some I bought several years back.
• Liebert backup battery: https://amzn.to/33UN2i5
• To protect your devices during unexpected storms, you can add a backup battery. I attach mine to my Wi-Fi devices so that if the power goes out, but I still have internet, I can access the internet on my laptop and finish what I was doing. Plus, it acts as a surge protector for your connected devices or can charge a device if you lose power.

Printing

• GPC ink: https://amzn.to/3rVkFs6 
• If you need ink to print, this brand has done me well so far. My printer is older and this ink causes no trouble but for far cheaper than buying name brand.

Conclusion

I hope this list helps narrow down some of the tech supplies you may need as an online instructor. If you would like to hear more about online teaching or even just digital integration into the classroom, sign up for our newsletter to keep up to date. Good luck with your school year!