Unpacking Online Teaching Tech

For most online educators, you don’t need a complicated studio setup to look and sound professional. In fact, simple, reliable gear usually wins. Personally, I think a good microphone and a good webcam make the biggest difference in how polished and engaging your classes feel. 

Sitting in front of a window and using natural light is always a winning move — it’s flattering, simple, and free. But since our rooms don’t always cooperate with that setup, I’ve also linked a few lighting options to help you get clear, well-lit video anywhere. 

One more thing that's a non-negotiable for me when teaching online is a touchscreen laptop. It makes it much easier to underline, circle, switch tabs quickly, and use e-books smoothly. It also helps you use tools like the Zoom whiteboard to explain skills such as grammar faster and more naturally — so your student isn’t waiting while you search for tools, adjust settings, or move your mouse around to get set up.

Let’s unpack some gear!

 *As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Microphone 

Clear, crisp audio makes a huge difference in how your students experience your lessons. Unless you’re an audio expert or tech enthusiast, I recommend a USB microphone because it plugs directly into your computer and works right away—no extra equipment needed. 

The microphone I currently use and recommend is the:

Shure MV7+ Podcast Dynamic Microphone  ($299) 

Shure is known for professional-grade microphones, and the MV7 is their most affordable option. It is a beloved item amongst podcasters, online teachers, and content creators. It connects via USB to your laptop and is a reliable, high-quality option that makes a noticeable difference in how your voice comes across to students. Your students will thank you for the clear, professional sound!

 

Boom Arm (optional)

Rode PS 1 ($97) 

A boom arm is a great addition if you want more flexibility positioning your microphone. The Rode PS 1 ($97) is the one I use. It’s known for its sturdy build quality and works with almost all microphones—not just Rode models—making it a solid, reliable choice for most setups.

 

Cameras

Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920 ($69.90) 

The Logitech C920x is a great and affordable camera to get started with, offering excellent video quality and ease of use. If you want to step up your video quality without going all the way to a Sony camera, the Logitech MX Brio Ultra HD 4K webcam (listed below) is a fantastic next-level option.

Logitech MX Brio Ultra HD ($169.99)  

The Logitech MX Brio Ultra HD 4K Webcam delivers stunning ultra-high-definition video with smooth 1080p at 60 FPS, making your online classes look incredibly sharp and professional. It also features Show Mode for flexible framing and works seamlessly with all major video platforms like Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Google Meet.

The Logitech Brio webcams receive so much praise online that it’s easy to see why they’re always the top pick for teachers and content creators. Compared to the C920x, the Brio series offers a wider field of view and significantly enhanced image quality. Plus, it includes extra features that truly justify its higher price, making it well worth the investment.

Sony Alpha 6700 ($1,399) 

This is the camera I use for all my videos and classes—tested and approved by me! While it’s definitely not necessary to teach online (a good webcam will do just fine), if you want to upgrade your video quality, this camera is amazing. It has a mid-sized sensor and interchangeable lenses, which help create sharp, professional-looking shots. Just keep in mind you’ll need a few extra accessories like the Elgato Cam Link and cables to use it as a webcam.

 * Accessories Needed to Use the Sony A6700 as a Webcam

To connect the Sony A6700 to your computer for live teaching, you’ll need a few extra pieces of gear: an Elgato Cam Link (which converts the camera’s HDMI output into a USB input your computer can recognize), a micro-HDMI to HDMI cable to connect the camera to the Cam Link.

 

Tripod

Webcams typically rest on top of your laptop or monitor, so you won’t usually need extra equipment for them. However, if you’re using a Sony camera or your smartphone for teaching, a tripod becomes necessary to keep your video stable and properly positioned. There are many tripod options available online—choose one that suits your workspace and fits your camera’s size.I personally use the Mactrem 80” Tripod, and it works really well for my setup.

Mactrem 80” Tripod ($69.99) 

 

Lighting

Natural light is free and usually the best option if you can teach in front of a window. But when that’s not possible, having good artificial lighting makes a big difference in how clear and professional your video looks.

I’m not a big fan of ring lights because they create ring reflections in your eyes, which can be distracting, so here are two lighting options I recommend:

MOUNTDOG Softbox Lighting Kit ($44.16 for 1, $66.19 for 2) 

Provides soft, even lighting with adjustable color temperatures. This is the one I use. It is great for a dedicated setup, but it does take up quite a bit of space.

YONGNUO YN300 Air Pro LED Video Light ($55) 

Compact and portable, with adjustable color temperature for flexible lighting. A great alternative if you want something smaller and easier to manage. I do not own one, but the reviews for this specific light, including professional content creators, are very positive. 

 

Laptop

HP 17 Inch Laptop Touchscreen ($1,395.00)  

Last but not least, this is the laptop I use for teaching: the HP 17 Inch Touchscreen Laptop with a large 17.3" HD+ display, Intel Core i7 processor, 64GB RAM, and a fast 2TB SSD. I love the wide screen—it makes multitasking much easier during lessons. I also like that it has a separate number pad on the right, instead of just the numbers across the top of the keyboard.

The touchscreen is incredibly practical and makes online teaching feel much more seamless and natural.