I tutor English (and also tutor Japanese) online for a Japanese company that arranges lessons over Skype. I’ve also tutored for Wyzant.com.
In both cases and even when creating online courses for Udemy.com the equipment I use is basically the same.
In this article and video I explain what I use, how, and why.
Equipment:
- Desktop PC, Laptop, and/or tablet.
I highly recommend a windows tablet. Windows Surface tablets are amazing. But even cheaper ones like Dell’s Venue Pro series, Acer, NextBook, etc are all decent full-fledged Windows PCs (run full desktop Windows) – a huge advantage over iPads and Androids.
- Mobile phone
As a backup device in case your internet connection goes down. You can use your mobile phone’s mobile data instead to conduct the lesson
- usb webcam
- OTG usb adapters (female usb to male micro usb)
- “y cable” usb adapter – an adapter that you can plug your power cable into and charge your device while also plugging in out things)
- usb adapters (male usb to female micro usb)
- usb hub (best are the ones with switches on the side to switch from “charge” to “OTG”) with a charge function
- selfie stick (to borrow the mobile phone holder off of)
- small tripod stand (for holding mobile phone)
- headset (with headphone and microphone)
- two standing lamps with adjustable lights.
- a stool (preferably adjustable height) to hold your laptop, tablet, phone, or PC monitor & webcam
- a desk
- a blank wall
- keyboard (wired or bluetooth)
- mouse (wired or bluetooth)