Best FREE tools for teaching English online

One of the first steps in becoming an online English teacher is to equip yourself with the necessary tools and software. Using the right tools will improve the effectiveness of your lessons and increase your earning potential. You will receive everything you require if you work for an online company. However, freelance teachers must handle everything themselves. So, which video editing software should you use? How do you distribute files to students? And how do you get your money? There are so many online tools and software for teachers to use that it can be overwhelming, so we’ve compiled a list of the best free tools for teaching English online.

Zoom

One of the first steps in becoming an online English teacher is to equip yourself with the necessary tools and software. Using the right tools will improve the effectiveness of your lessons and increase your earning potential. You will receive everything you require if you work for an online company. However, freelance teachers must handle everything themselves. So, which video editing software should you use? How do you distribute files to students? And how do you get your money? There are so many online tools and software for teachers to use that it can be overwhelming, so we’ve compiled a list of the top ten.

Skype

It is used for video conferencing. Skype has been around for quite some time (since 2003, to be exact). It became so popular that it became a verb, with people referring to Skyping instead of video calling. Zoom and Skype have similar features, but the main advantage of Skype is that your students are more likely to be familiar with it. It’s a good idea to try both and see which one best meets your requirements.

Google Docs

It is used for document sharing and collaboration. If you’re comfortable with Microsoft Word, you’ll have no trouble with Google Docs. The main difference is that Google Docs allows you to do (almost) everything that Word allows, but it is web-based. Collaboration is straightforward, and you can see what the other person is writing and editing in real-time. Teachers can use it to create and share materials, and when combined with screen-sharing, it can be an excellent tool for getting students to complete various exercises.

Canva

Its purpose is to create a wide range of visual content. Canva is a web-based graphic design platform that makes creating visual content as simple as possible. Canva has you covered whether you’re creating social media content to market yourself or teaching materials for your students. Teachers can use Canva to create engaging material and resources such as flashcards, resources, presentations, ebooks, and more – the possibilities are endless for innovative educators. If you want to build your brand and stand out, the ability to design your materials is essential, and it doesn’t get any easier than Canva!

WeTransfer

Its purpose is to send files. WeTransfer is a web-based file transfer service that allows you to send larger files that are too large to send via email. Simply upload your files and enter an email address; the recipient will receive a download link. WeTransfer is ideal if you want to share large files or resources with your students or have many files to send.

Edmodo

What it’s used for online tutoring platforms, content sharing with students. Edmodo is a learning management system (LMS) that connects students and teachers in the same way that a social network does. It can assign tasks, share resources, test students, and monitor their progress. If you want everything in one place for your students, an LMS like Edmodo could be the solution. The interface is friendly and straightforward for both students and teachers, and you can use its tools to create your virtual classroom.

Google Classroom

Its purpose is to allow students and teachers to share files. Google Classroom, another learning management system (LMS), provides similar functionality to Edmodo. However, some teachers may prefer integrating other Google services like Docs and YouTube. Google Classroom is easy to start, but some teachers may find its interaction capabilities limited compared to other systems on the market.

Calendly

Its purpose is to assist you in scheduling classes. You may work for several companies while growing your own when you teach online. This means staying on your schedule and telling clients when you’re available is critical, which is where Calendly comes in. With Calendly, you can add all your classes to one calendar, which can be shared with others and even added to your website. This means no back-and-forth with students booking courses; they can easily see when you’re free!

Dropbox

Its purpose is to save and share files. Dropbox provides cloud storage, allowing you to back up your files and easily share them with others. A free account offers 2GB of storage, but upgrading to their £7.99 monthly plan provides a massive 2TB. Backing up your teaching materials is critical, and cloud storage is the most secure way. You can also create folders that others can access by providing a link, allowing you to share materials with students easily.

PayPal

Its purpose is to receive payments. Whether you work for an online employer or yourself, you’ll almost certainly receive payments through PayPal. It’s the most popular method for sending and receiving money online; your students are probably familiar with it. PayPal will charge a small transaction fee if you receive money from outside your country, so keep this in mind.

I hope you enjoyed our list of just some of the best free tools for teaching English online.