If you are planning to teach English online, there are some essentials you will need to get started.
First, you will need to have a good computer or a laptop. You need not have the latest model, but you have to make sure the one that you have does not act up all the time. The last thing you want to do is to keep apologizing for "technical problems." And you do not want some lame excuses and problems to disrupt the flow of the class, do you?

Next, the internet is your lifeline, so make sure you have a stable internet connection and your internet speed is fast enough, at least 1 Mbps. You are also going to need instant messaging (IM) applications such as Yahoo! Messenger, Windows Live Messenger, and Skype. If you do not have any of them, install them now. The preferred IM application among online English teachers is Skype because it has better features and tools.

As you will be using your hands to do other things during the class such as typing, rummaging through some files, and surfing the internet, you will need a good headset. Just like a telephone handset, a headset allows you to exchange thoughts with your student but without having to use your hands.

You will also need a good webcam. Understand that you can buy a functional webcam for less than $20, but if you want good results, go for the ones with extra features and good resolution. Although they may cost more than $50, these better webcams are a good investment.

Once you have all the technology ready, it is time to worry about two more things: your lessons and your student. Some online English teachers use a textbook in their English classes because of convenience, but you can actually devise your own lessons. If you would like to offer a grammar course, you can design a syllabus yourself. But if you plan to use a textbook, there are hundreds of e-books you can download for free.

As for students, you can work part time for a company that instantly provides you with students or be a freelancer and find students yourself. There are many sites where ESL students and teachers post their advertisements for free. You might want to check out these sites and post a catchy advertisement for your teaching services.

Last, you will need to consider how you will be paid, so you need at least one payment option. The usual payment options are via three modes: money transfer, wire transfer, or online payment transfer. In money transfer, students are given the option to pay an establishment offering money transfer. In wire transfer, your salary is deposited into your bank account. In online payment transfer, students pay via PayPal, AlertPay, Liberty Reserve, or Neteller. The last option is highly recommended because it is fast, safe, and convenient. If you plan to have this as one of your options, you need to register with these companies.

To summarize, here are what you need to start teaching English online.

1. A computer or laptop
2. Internet connection
3. Instant messaging applications like Yahoo! Messenger, MSN Messenger, and Skype
4. A headset
5. A webcam
6. Lessons or teaching materials
7. Student
8. PayPal account, AlertPay account, bank account, and other modes of payments

So if you have access to the internet and a good computer, you can teach or learn English online anywhere. Anywhere can be your virtual classroom.

Ande Geronimo, ESL Teacher Trainer: Your one and ultimate source for online English teaching http://queerenglish.blogspot.com/.