Online teaching and learning has become essential in these testing times of COVID19. Teachers all across the world are using their desktop computers, laptops, mobile phones, tablets to stay in touch with students. Earlier, a teacher would teach 40-60 students at a time in a classroom. Now online education allows a teacher ANYWHERE in the world to reach hundreds of students, ACROSS the world. You may have an online class in mathematics or English. Students from India, Bangladesh, UK, Canada, USA, South Africa, Argentina, Australia, etc. can all join at the same time. A teacher’s class is no longer confined to their school or college. Instead, it is a class without walls. The world is your class.

So what equipment will a teacher require to start an online class? There are many things one can buy. If you are starting out in online teaching, I suggest keeping it simple. Avoid spending too much on expensive items. Do not choose the best or the most expensive. Also, avoid the one with the most features. Instead, opt for devices that are easy to use.

The simplest device is of course your mobile phone. Most smart mobile phones have enough processing power to compete with a desktop/laptop. So you have the rear camera which you will need for recording a video. Rear camera has a higher resolution (better quality of picture). If screen-recording, then you don’t even need a camera. The only devices you need to start with are a desktop computer with i5 processor. Ensure it has at least 32 GB RAM. You also need a webcam, which is preferable but not essential. Additionally, have a 1 TB hard disk, WiFi connectivity, and basic software. This includes a word-processor, spreadsheet, image editor, and movie editor. If you are looking for a free alternative to Microsoft Office, there’s Libre Office (free). For screen recording, the best software is OBS Studio. For image editing, Libre Office should be sufficient. If you want more capabilities, go for GIMP. For video editing there are many free software available but one of the easiest to use is Microsoft Clipchamp. Other options are OpenShot and DaVinci Resolve. You will require a sound editing software – Audacity is the standard software here. All these software are FREE. Of course, you should create a FREE account on Google. Another option is Microsoft Outlook. These accounts provide plenty of essential communication tools, all FREE. These include: email, whiteboard, quiz-maker forms for collecting data. They also include an online word-processor, online spreadsheet, and online presentation tools. Finally, you’ll have online video calling like Teams and Zoom, etc. The most important software is the operating system. Go for Windows 10. Often, the operating system is bundled in the cost of the desktop/laptop. It is better to opt for this. It is more convenient than installing the operating system on your own. Some also assume that Linux operating system is cheaper. However, in my article here, I explain why that is not necessarily true. I believe we teachers should spend our time on the primary activity at which we are good – teaching. Leave the software installation part to those who are more comfortable with that.

If you want to teach mathematics, statistics, physics, or chemistry, you will do well to buy a writing tablet. This also applies to other subjects that involve equations. Wacom tablets are good but you will find cheaper alternatives on Amazon. Writing on a tablet takes time to get used to. So you may prefer to have a whiteboard that is 4 ft x 3 ft. You should have whiteboard pens in at least blue, black, red, and green colours. However, you will need to invest in a webcam. You also need a tripod stand to record from the whiteboard. Or you can use the rear camera of your mobile phone. Now, if you have to choose between investing in a writing tablet only or opting for a whiteboard, webcam, and tripod, the expenses will be nearly identical. However, the later option will be faster to use. Checkout my article on free online whiteboard here.

So what specifications should we look for in a desktop? I feel an Intel-based computer with an i5 processor is appropriate. Preferably, opt for an i7 processor. It should have a 1 TB hard disk or SSD. Ensure it has at least 3 USB ports. Get as much RAM as possible. If buying a laptop go for 15.6 inch screen. If buying a desktop, buy a monitor with size above 20 inches – its easier on the eyes. If space is an issue then you can consider buying an all-in-one computer where the screen and other parts like CPU are in one unit. Since you are buying a computer in 2020, it may be advisable to go for i7 processor instead of i5. If buying a laptop, consider buying a wireless keyboard and mouse. Working long hours on laptop keyboard is injurious to health. Dont go overboard with hardware as in 2 years you will get faster and better hardware at lower/same price.

Please ensure to take an extended warranty on the computer. It costs a little but provides peace of mind. Most computers have just a 1-year warranty.

Hope this helps. Let me know what you feel about this.

Categories: Blog

Tags: free software, GIMP, google, JRF, Libre, linux, Microsoft, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Outlook, NET/SET, OBS Studio, Office Libre, online teaching, online teaching tools, OpenShot, UGC, Wacom, whiteboard, Windows 10