Life as an Online Teacher: Behind the Scenes of My Teaching Setup



When I first started teaching online, I didn’t think much about how my environment looked on camera. I figured if I showed up, had a working laptop, and delivered a good lesson, that would be enough.

Looking back now... oh my goodness.

I still cringe thinking about a lesson I recorded early on — the lighting was so dark, I could barely see my own face on screen! And yet, I sent it in anyway. At the time, I didn’t realize just how important lighting, sound, and setup are in the world of online teaching. It wasn’t just about having content ready — it was about making sure I could be seen, heard, and present in a way that kept learners engaged.

Since then, I’ve made changes. My space isn’t perfect or Pinterest-worthy, but it works — and I’ve learned a lot along the way.


Lesson 1: Let There Be (Good) Light

I don’t have a fancy ring light or desk lamp. What I do have is a great window. Natural light became my best friend, and now I always teach with the curtains open and my desk facing the light. It makes a massive difference. The room is bright, my face is clearly visible, and I look more awake (even on days when I’m running on coffee and determination!).

Tip: If you can’t sit near a window, any consistent, soft light source will do. A warm desk lamp behind your laptop works better than overhead lighting, which can cast shadows.


Lesson 2: Sound is Half the Experience

If your learners can’t hear you clearly, the lesson loses its power — no matter how good your slides are. I use a headset with a built-in microphone that cancels out background noise. It’s not the most expensive model, but it does the job well and keeps distractions to a minimum.

Early on, I sometimes relied on my laptop mic. Big mistake. My voice sounded hollow, and the background noise (dogs, kids, the occasional lawnmower) would creep in. The headset was a small upgrade that made a big difference.


Lesson 3: Desk, Chair... and the Exercise Ball?

Let me be honest — I’ve sat on all sorts of things while teaching: a dining room chair, the edge of the bed, and even an exercise ball. Yes, I actually taught from an exercise ball for a while! It kept me moving and felt fun at first, but long-term? Not sustainable.

Right now, I have a simple chair, but I’m looking to invest in one with proper back support. Teaching for hours at a time requires more than just a seat — it requires a setup that supports your body and posture.

Tip: If you can’t get a new chair right away, consider adding a back cushion or a rolled-up towel for lumbar support. Small adjustments matter.


Lesson 4: Backup Power and Internet — Your Lifeline

No one talks about this enough — but if you’re teaching online, backup power and internet are non-negotiable.

Power cuts or unstable electricity can bring your entire class to a halt, especially in areas where outages are common. I learned (the hard way) that it’s worth having a plan in place. Here are a few options that have helped me and fellow online teachers:

  • UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply): A small UPS can keep your Wi-Fi router and laptop running long enough to finish a lesson or switch to another plan.

  • Portable Power Station or Inverter: If you can go a little bigger, a power station can run your setup for a few hours and is great during extended outages.

  • Solar Backup Systems: These are a long-term investment, but becoming more popular and reliable — especially in places where power cuts are frequent.

As for internet? Having a backup is just as important. I currently use:

  • Mobile data hotspot from my phone (as a Plan B)

  • A second SIM card with a different provider, in case one network is down.

Having these in place gives me peace of mind — and it shows learners and parents that I take reliability seriously.


Lesson 5: Keep It Simple — But Be Ready

I use my laptop camera for most lessons. It’s reliable and does the job. But I also keep a spare camera handy — just in case something goes wrong. That backup has saved me more than once when my main camera decided to stop working five minutes before class.

My desk isn’t big, but it’s enough for what I need: my laptop, notebook, planner, and a cup of tea. I keep it tidy between lessons so I’m not scrambling to find materials while students are waiting.


Lesson 6: Your Space Reflects Your Presence

One of the most underrated parts of teaching online is your background. I’ve kept mine neutral — just a plain wall — to help students focus. I used to stress about decorating it, but I’ve realized that simplicity works best. It helps learners stay focused on me and what I’m teaching, not what’s behind me.


Looking Back, Moving Forward

I’ve come a long way from those first few awkward lessons with poor lighting and patchy sound. There’s no perfect setup, and everyone starts somewhere — but I’ve learned that small changes can create a big impact. A little planning, some light, a decent mic, and a supportive seat go a long way in helping you show up as your best teaching self.

And don’t forget the behind-the-scenes heroes: backup power and internet. They’re your insurance policy against surprise tech fails.


✅ Final Thoughts:

  • Don’t wait for the “perfect” gear. Start with what you have.

  • Prioritize lighting and sound — they shape your students’ experience.

  • Be kind to your body. Teaching is a job that deserves a supportive setup.

  • Keep backups: camera, charger, lesson files, internet — and power!

  • Most importantly: Keep learning and adjusting. It’s a journey.


Over to you:
What does your online teaching space look like? Have any tech hacks, backup tips, or hard-learned lessons? Drop a comment — I’d love to hear!

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

How to Create Custom Flashcards in Canva: A Beginner's Guide + Using Creative Fabrica for Resellable Designs

Not Everyone’s Cup of Tea—And That’s Okay ☕💚

How I use these flashcards to Gamify my Classroom: Making Learning Fun and Effective