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The webcam is a necessary component of online teaching, as it allows you to interact with individuals from long distances. A sophisticated webcam functions to improve the user experience by enhancing the quality of the lessons. You can also use it as a still camera to take professional photos or videos. These can be sent and saved on your device.
While a 720p webcam performs adequately for the role of the online teacher, an HD webcam adds dimension and depth to your lessons. It makes you look more lifelike, and you stand out for your presentability and professionalism.
Think of it this way, are you going to watch the high-quality Youtube video or the one that looks like it was shot from an iPhone 5 in the dark?
The HD webcam can add so much value to your online lessons and create a ready-to-learn, professional atmosphere. Your presence is felt and you will be remembered. With more people working from home and requiring a webcam, here are some of the top webcams you can find to teach English online.
Best Webcams for Online Classes
The following webcams are suitable for teaching English online, whether you work as a teacher on Zoom or in an online classroom, such as Vipkid. They require zero tech experience and knowledge, simply plug it in and go. Be prepared to shine!
1. Microsoft LifeCam Studio Webcam
Benefits:
- Adapts to various lighting conditions
- Auto-Focus
- Easy Set-Up: Plugin and install
This webcam has a full 1080p HD sensor so you can achieve that high-quality picture you are looking for.
It has intelligent technology that allows you to balance the lighting and color in different environments and times of the day. It provides excellent picture quality and reduces the graininess you might grow accustomed to from the built-in computer webcam.
You can clip the webcam onto your laptop or fit it onto a desktop tripod. The webcam can be swiveled or tilted to get the perfect full-frame.
Just plug it in at the USB port, and you are good to go.
2. Lasllaves HD Webcam 1080P
Benefits:
- Simple setup
- Widely compatible
- Noise-canceling microphone
- Lifetime warranty
- Webcam cover and tripod included
This webcam is perfect for all your online lessons and is inexpensive considering its many functions.
It is a 1080p webcam that is perfect for teaching high-quality sessions and comes with many mounting options, such as the free tripod and grip, to mount the camera to the top of the computer monitor.
The shutter provides the protection and privacy you need when online and the webcam is highly compatible with all kinds of software. You shouldn’t have any problems setting it up as this also has a long USB cable that can be plugged in straight to your laptop.
Another huge bonus is that this webcam has a lifetime guarantee, so if anything goes wrong you can return it to Amazon.
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3. PAPALOOK AF925 Stream Webcam
Benefits
- HD Video Quality
- Noise Reduction Microphone
- Foldable and rotatable
- Autofocus webcam
- Lifetime support
- Warranty and Money Back Guarantee
This HD webcam is small, lightweight, and durable. It operates at 1080p and 30 frames per second, which produces a smoother feel to the image quality.
You can fold and rotate it to give you the angle you want and it can easily latch on to the top of your monitor without any screws.
These lenses can zoom in and the webcam has a foldable, adjustable design.
The ‘plug and play’ feature allows you to plug it in as a USB cable and you’re ready to go. Your computer will recognize it and will enable you to pair it with your teaching software.
You may also be interested in: The Best English Teaching Companies in 2022.
4. Spedal 1080P Webcam with Microphone for Desktop
Benefits
- Suitable for gaming, Youtube and teaching
- Zoom functionality
- Allows you to capture panoramic scenes
- Noise Cancelling microphone
- Background Removal
- Facial-enhancement technology
- Plug and play for xBox One
- Easy Setup
This advanced webcam can be used for teaching, Youtube and everything in-between due to its 1080p webcam, crystal clear audio and low-light correction.
It also supports background removal, making it ideal for shooting videos or super-professional teaching.
This webcam is for the gamers, the adventure seekers and the ambitious teachers. It can be mounted on top of a laptop or attached to a tripod.
It can be rotated horizontally or vertically and allows you to record and compress your videos at the same time. This means you can stream with less demand from your computer and not be a victim to poorer quality videos.
5. Logitech C920S HD Pro Webcam
- Five-element glass lens
- Premium autofocus
- Low light correction
- Privacy shutter
- Easy setup
This razor-sharp webcam allows for vibrant video and picture taking. The privacy model includes a shutter which ensures you are protected when you are not teaching.
It is compatible with most video-calling applications and is sure to make your video presence stand out from the crowd.
Despite its small size, it guarantees to capture even the smallest of details on the webcam. It is possible to purchase this webcam with the tripod.
This is a hugely popular webcam on Amazon with over 16000 reviews and 300 answered questions. It definitely has potential, so check it out!
Tripod for your Webcam
If you are looking for a seperate webcam tripod to keep it mounted, you could try a universal tripod such as this one:
Lightweight Mini Webcam Tripod
This tripod has a standard ¼ inch screw which is perfect for most webcams. It can also be adapted to suit most phones, cameras and even Gopros, as it comes with several attachments. Just make sure it suits your webcam before purchase.
It is a stable and cheap accessory that allows for greater flexibility when using a webcam. If you find the webcam is a little chunky and isn’t stable when clipped onto your laptop, a tripod may be a suitable option.
If you are interested in checking out more things you need to use when teaching English online, please check out my essentials list and my props list for kids down below. Then you will be best prepared to teach like a pro!
Useful Links
- Best Laptops for working online
- Teach English essentials
- Kid Prop Essentials
- Teach English Online Companies
- Countries to Teach Abroad
Online Teacher Toolkit
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Caitriona Maria is an education writer and founder of TPR Teaching, crafting inspiring pieces that promote the importance of developing new skills. For 7 years, she has been committed to providing students with the best learning opportunities possible, both domestically and abroad. Dedicated to unlocking students' potential, Caitriona has taught English in several countries and continues to explore new cultures through her travels.
