28 Best Digital Tools for Online English Teachers

Online English teachers can find it challenging to set up a fun-filled yet organized virtual classroom. You might have a goldmine of ideas for planning lessons and engaging students, but you might not know which tech tools will best help you bring those ideas to life. If this has been a challenge for you, don’t worry. We’re here to share some of the best tools for teaching English online.

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What are digital tools for online English teachers?

Tech tools support online English teachers with everything from lesson planning to engaging instruction. Teachers have a lot to consider, from scheduling tools to virtual classrooms, and they have many tech options to sort through. Some technologies available today can take your teaching to the next level, but first, let’s consider the main tech tools an online teacher should have to ensure a successful experience.

A basic online teaching toolkit typically includes:

• Video conferencing software
• Virtual whiteboard tools
• Lesson planning tools
• Media creation tools
• Webcam tools
• Screen recording apps
• Online game/activity platforms
• Quiz and assessment creator tools
• Extended learning apps

Fully independent teachers may need additional tech tools as their online English teaching businesses grow. Your business size may determine the tech tools you need, but the following items can expand the teacherpreneur toolkit:

• Online learning/student management platforms
• AI-powered teaching assistant tools

Many of these online tools offer free access, while others may require a subscription or include paid versions with more features. The good news is that you often won’t need advanced tech skills to use these tools. You can learn as you go or watch tutorials online to become a proficient user.

The right digital tools help online English teachers create smoother, more organized, and more engaging learning experiences. Whether you use a simple toolkit or a more advanced setup, these resources can support lesson delivery, student interaction, and classroom management. Start with the essentials, then add new tools as your teaching context, learner needs, and professional goals evolve.

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What technology tools can you use for online English teaching?

You can teach online in several ways, and your role may determine the types of tech tools you’ll need. If you freelance online for an ESL company, the company may provide all the teaching tools you need within its learning platform. However, you may still find digital resources, such as language tutoring apps and online game-making software, that you want to recommend to your students.

Similarly, if you tutor for an online teacher marketplace, the marketplace learning platform usually gives you many online teaching tools. However, as a marketplace tutor, you’ll likely need to create your own lesson plans, games, and activities. Teachers can find plenty of tech tools for lesson planning, games, and activities.

An independent online English teacher or teacherpreneur with a teaching business needs the largest tech stack because they manage all aspects of the online teaching business. This means you’ll likely need more than the basic online teaching toolkit to manage scheduling, lesson planning, student management, marketing, billing, and more.

Now, let’s explore some tech tools for teaching English classes online.

Learn how to start an online English teaching business without breaking the bank.

Video conferencing software

Independent online teachers need a way to deliver their classes. Most online teachers use video conferencing software to host their tutoring sessions. Several popular options exist, and your choice may depend on personal preferences or the types of courses you teach.

Teleconferencing programs vary in their features, but they should at least enable you to use your video camera, share your screen, and chat with your students. These programs should also be stable, user-friendly, and able to accommodate groups. Features like breakout rooms can come in handy when teachers teach groups.

Learn how to increase your job prospects by teaching English online to groups.

1. Zoom

Zoom is one of the most popular video conferencing software options, and teachers can use it effectively for teaching English online. Zoom is easy to use and provides the following features:

• A built-in virtual whiteboard.
• Breakout rooms to split students up for group activities.
• A chat box that allows you to send messages to the entire class or individual learners.
• The screen share function allows you and your students to share not only your materials or documents but also audio from your computer.
• Emoji buttons that let participants raise their hands, send virtual applause, and react to others.

Zoom offers a free plan, which you can use for one-on-one lessons or group classes for a maximum of 40 minutes per session.

2. Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams is another popular communication platform, and professionals commonly use it. So, if you teach Business English students, they may already have this software installed on their computers!

Niels, an online Business English tutor from Peru, delivers his classes through Microsoft Teams. “I use this program because it is connected with a variety of other apps, and I can use my digital pen and avoid typing so much,” he said.

Microsoft Teams includes the following features:

• Screen and audio sharing.
• A chat function that lets you communicate and share documents with everyone in the virtual room.
• A variety of fun and professional-looking backgrounds.
• Easy-to-use scheduler.

Teachers can use all of Microsoft Teams’ features and host online meetings with an unlimited number of participants through its free version. Meanwhile, teachers can also upgrade to the premium version to get cloud storage and Microsoft Office apps.

3. Google Classroom

Google Classroom is another software option with video conferencing and additional organizational features. Teachers can use this program as a one-stop shop to manage and host classes. With Google’s suite of programs, such as Gmail, Google Drive, Docs, Forms, and Sheets, teachers can create, assign, grade, and leave feedback within Drive and host live classes in the virtual Google Classroom. Google Classroom also integrates with a variety of apps, such as Screencastify, Flipgrid, and Kahoot!

When choosing the best organization platform, make sure that both you and your students can access and navigate it easily. The platform should also let you share materials or documents with ease. Google Classroom can help with:

• Creating, distributing, and grading homework.
• Organizing your lessons into modules or units.
• Uploading materials and storing them on Google Drive.
• Tracking students’ progress.
• Posting comments and class announcements.

Google Classroom does have a free version, and teachers can upgrade to obtain more space, which could be useful if they have lots of files.

Ready to go solo? Discover how to start teaching English online as an independent teacherpreneur.

Virtual whiteboard tools

Some video conferencing software, such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams, includes a virtual whiteboard, but teachers can also choose from many free and subscription-based options. A good virtual whiteboard should allow users to collaborate in real time, attach files, use presentation options, and access the board from anywhere. Below are a few to consider.

4. Canva

Canva has an online whiteboard that teachers can use for real-time collaboration. Teachers can use editable templates or a simple blank canvas, as well as a variety of text, shape, and drawing tools.

Canva is a versatile tool that teachers can also use for images and graphics. From posters to Zoom backgrounds to slides, Canva lets teachers design many different types of graphic materials. Among its many fun and useful options, Canva allows you to:

• Choose from a wide range of professionally designed templates.
• Upload and edit photos from your computer.
• Customize text, graphics, layout, and colors.
• Organize your creations into folders.

Teachers can use Canva, including its whiteboard function, for free and enjoy its basic editing features, or they can get its premium version, which gives them access to more templates and design tools.

5. Miro

Miro is another online whiteboard that teachers can use for real-time collaboration. Miro is free for the first three boards and then requires a subscription. It has a variety of tools and lots of integrations, and it includes multiple ways to organize and present information. Teachers can simply share the link with students and work together on the virtual whiteboard.

Read about the ways technology is revolutionizing English language teaching.

Lesson planning tools

Teachers can use many online tools and resources to create effective, interactive lesson plans. Let’s take a look at digital resources for designing your own classroom materials and accessing ready-made lesson plans.

6. Lessonplans.ai

Lessonplans.ai helps teachers generate lesson plans that include activities and resources quickly and easily. Because this AI tool is specifically made for lesson plan generation, teachers can use it easily and create comprehensive, effective lesson plans. The generator includes fields to fill out, such as grade level, lesson title, and lesson description. Access is subscription-based.

7. Claude

Claude is an AI assistant that teachers can use in multiple ways, and it is well-suited to lesson planning. You type in a detailed prompt, direct the chatbot to create a lesson plan, and Claude generates the lesson plan for you. More details will usually produce a better lesson plan. Teachers should always review information for accuracy with any AI-powered generator, but these tools can do most of the heavy lifting. Simply generate your lesson and update the content as needed.

8. ChatGPT

The ChatGPT chatbot can serve a variety of purposes, and it is an excellent tool for lesson planning and other class materials. With a well-crafted prompt that includes a detailed description of the students’ age, lesson objectives, course delivery mode, and other information, ChatGPT will generate a lesson plan that you can check for accuracy and edit as needed.

ChatGPT can also help with everything from gathering information to composing letters to proofreading texts. You can make the most of this AI tool by:

• Searching for facts quickly.
• Generating reading passages, such as stories.
• Creating questions for class discussions.
• Creating writing prompts for students.
• Teaching vocabulary by making word lists and demonstrating how to use words in a sentence.
• Teaching grammar by showing sentence examples.
• Finding mistakes in sentences (you can paste a student’s written work into the chat and ask the bot to identify the errors).

Teachers can also find many ready-made lesson plan options, both free and for purchase, in addition to creating their own lesson plans. These lesson plans typically include presentations, videos, interactive assignments, and assessments that teachers can use as-is or revise to meet specific needs. The following are some examples.

9. Fluentize

Fluentize offers video-based, ready-made lessons for teens and adults. Teachers can use the lessons in both digital and printable formats. Lessons include an authentic, real-life video, a teaching presentation, and interactive student activities. Because Fluentize integrates easily into video conferencing software like Zoom, teachers can present the lesson and share screen control with students to complete the interactive activities.

Fluentize offers free and paid lessons, and while most lesson plan companies have subscription plans, teachers can purchase individual lessons on the Fluentize site. Lessons are one credit each, and teachers can purchase a single credit, five credits, 10 credits, or a full-access subscription.

Take a closer look at ESL lesson plan companies and the types of resources they offer.

10. ESL Pals

ESL Pals has over 600 ESL lessons for all ages and levels. Teachers can download lessons as PDFs, and the lessons include objectives, a video, worksheets, and more. ESL Pals offers free lessons as well as several subscription plans.

11. Linguahouse

Linguahouse provides a rich library of ready-to-use lesson plans, worksheets, and activities tailored for ESL teachers, language schools, and learners. Its resources cover all levels from beginner to advanced and include engaging formats, such as graded biographies, debates, reading exercises, and listening tasks. Linguahouse also enhances learning with spaced-repetition tools and themed lesson collections that save teachers time on planning while boosting classroom impact.

Explore these AI-powered content creation tools to help save time and keep your focus on teaching.

Media creation tools

Online tools, many of which are now AI-powered, can make your presentations, infographics, and other class materials more engaging. Teachers can also use these tools to brainstorm ideas with students or assign collaborative projects, such as creating a presentation.

A media creation tool should be user-friendly and provide a variety of options for building, editing, and styling content. Collaborators should also be able to share and access the workspace. Here are some image and graphics creation and editing tools to consider:

12. Lumen5

Lumen5 is an online AI video creator that works similarly to a slide deck builder. It includes templated designs, style and color themes, and more. Lumen5 is very user-friendly, and the AI feature can do a lot of the design work for you. There is a free version as well as several subscription models.

13. Image Creator from Microsoft Bing

Teachers can also get creative with images by using Image Creator, an AI-powered image generator that is part of Microsoft Copilot. It is free to use. Teachers simply type in a prompt, and the tool generates an image. Create images for class activities, as part of lessons, or to enhance presentations. And since it’s free, students can use it as well!

Webcam tools

Teachers may find it challenging to spice up a virtual classroom, especially when they need to be creative in setting up their teaching background and capturing youngsters’ attention in class. If you’re looking for a digital tool that does all these tricks and more, you can rely on webcam and streaming apps that add filters and effects to your videos.

Make sure that your webcam software is compatible with the video conference platform you use for classes. Additionally, webcam apps can usually slow down your computer because of high CPU usage, so check that your desktop computer or laptop meets the platform’s system requirements. Here’s one great example:

14. ManyCam

ManyCam is the go-to webcam app for most online English teachers nowadays. Teachers can use it to add elements to a teaching backdrop, play games, show virtual objects onscreen, give rewards to students, and more.

Through this user-friendly program, teachers can:

• Replace your background with an image or a video.
• Add fun borders, banners, text, and stickers to your video frame.
• Use face masks to appear as a different character or animal onscreen.
• Choose multiple video sources.
• Display time tools, such as a digital clock, stopwatch, and timer, onscreen.
• Control your camera’s zoom directly from the ManyCam interface.

ManyCam offers free, standard, studio, and enterprise versions. Teachers can use the app’s basic functions with its free version, and they can enjoy more features and add more video sources when they upgrade to a premium version.

Check out this guide to using ManyCam when teaching English online.

Screen recording apps

Screen recording is a handy tool for teaching online, whether teachers use it during instruction or share it as a video lesson. Many free and subscription-based screen recording applications are easy to use, and teachers can add them as browser extensions for easy access. Here are a few to consider:

15. Screencastify

Teachers can add the Screencastify Chrome extension to their browser and record any screen. The free version allows up to 10 videos, with a maximum of 30 minutes per video, and additional subscriptions allow unlimited video creation.

16. Loom

Loom is another screen recorder, and it also includes AI tools to help generate content. Teachers can use the free version for up to 25 videos, with a maximum of five minutes per video, or subscribe for unlimited use.

Online game/activity platforms

Games are effective teaching tools for learners of any age. Teachers can use them for icebreakers, concept review, assessment, and many other purposes. Students enjoy them, and games are a great way to amp up the energy in class. Let’s look at some options for integrating online games in class.

17. Kahoot!

Kahoot! is an online, game-based learning platform that lets teachers create and share their own educational games quickly and easily. Teachers can use it as a warm-up activity, to review concepts they’ve taught, or as a form of assessment. What’s more, it’s totally free to use!

Shella, from the Philippines, teaches English to primary students in Taiwan. When her school shifted to online classes, Kahoot! became her favorite digital tool, not only for motivating her students but also for checking their understanding of the lesson. “I would tell them that I’d know if they were listening in class because their Kahoot! scores would show me!” she shared.

Teachers can make their own learning game on Kahoot! pretty easily:

• You can choose to add text, images, and diagrams to your quizzes.
• Once your game is ready, you’ll get a unique PIN to share with your students.
• Any student who has the PIN can play the game on their computer or mobile device.

18. Baamboozle

Baamboozle includes a large library of games made by teachers, and teachers can also make their own. Teachers can also edit any game. Games can be played in person and online, and with the slideshow feature, the games can also be used as lessons or study tools. The basic plan is free, and Baamboozle also offers monthly and yearly plans.

19. Wordwall

Wordwall helps teachers create unique classroom activities and games in a few minutes. Teachers can choose a template, add their own content, and turn it into 30+ games like quizzes, match-up activities, and flashcards. Activities can be played on students’ devices, displayed during class, or printed as worksheets for extra practice. Teachers can also use ready-made community resources and adapt them to fit their lesson aims, which is a practical way to save prep time.

Check out 12 low-prep ESL games for teaching online.

Quiz and assessment creator tools

20. Quizlet

If you’re looking to make learning and memorization more fun for your students, Quizlet could be your online platform of choice. This free education app makes it easy for teachers to create flashcards, study guides, and interactive games for any age and level.

On the Quizlet platform, teachers will be able to:

• Make customized flashcards.
• Build study sets that students can use for reviewing past lessons.
• Craft various types of student assessments, such as a written quiz or a spelling test.
• Add your own list of terms and definitions for your learners to study or memorize.

21. Wayground (former Quizizz)

Wayground, formerly Quizizz, is AI-powered, so teachers can generate activities quickly and save prep time. Teachers can add it as a Chrome extension and easily generate quizzes from the app by connecting to favorite educational websites or uploading PDFs and docs. Teachers can also use it to generate reading material.

Additionally, Wayground has integrated accessibility tools, such as read-aloud, audio response options, translation, and leveled text.

Learn about ways to use AI tools for English language proficiency placement, leveling, and progress monitoring.

Extended learning apps

Many teachers also integrate language tutoring and practice apps into their instruction, which provides students with opportunities to practice speaking skills beyond class time.

22. FLOW Speak

FLOW Speak is a language tutoring app with over 400 English conversation lessons that students can repeat until they become comfortable and confident. Teachers can recommend the app for additional practice or offer access as part of their instruction. The app provides AI-powered instant feedback to students, and teachers can access an administrator’s dashboard to track student progress.

23. TalkPal

TalkPal is a language practice app that provides conversation practice through AI-generated conversations or roleplays. The conversation practice uses real-life scenarios so students can build skills in practical uses of English.

Online English teachers can choose from a wide range of tools to plan lessons, deliver classes, create materials, assess learning, and extend practice beyond class time. The best options will depend on your students, teaching format, budget, and level of independence as a teacher. A strong tech stack should make teaching easier, not heavier, so choose tools that solve real classroom problems and help you spend more time teaching well.

Read about ways to hyper-personalize your Business English teaching with AI.

What additional tech tools might a Teacherpreneur need?

Fully independent online teachers who run their own online tutoring businesses will need many of the online tools already mentioned. Teacherpreneurs juggle all the typical online teaching responsibilities, plus the marketing, student management, and business tasks. So, teachers need ways to streamline processes and maximize their time.

In addition to the tools mentioned so far, here are a few additional digital tools for the online English teacherpreneur.

Read about six reasons to become an independent ESL teacher.

Online learning/student management platforms

Independent English teachers and teacherpreneurs with their own online teaching businesses may need to upgrade to an online teaching platform or student management system. Many available options feature an assortment of tools to help teachers teach and manage their businesses.

24. ClassIn

ClassIn is an all-in-one learning management system that recreates the physical classroom. The platform has solutions for both virtual and hybrid classrooms for independent teachers, multi-tutor businesses, K-12 schools, and higher education institutions.

The interactive virtual classroom has over 20 teaching tools, such as live chat, polls, timers, and a test bank. It includes a blackboard where teachers can present materials they have uploaded to the ClassIn cloud storage.

ClassIn has integrated scheduling and student management tools, including the ClassIn calendar. The platform includes comprehensive administrative tools to communicate, take attendance, view learning reports, and track student progress.

25. Koala

Koala is a cloud-based platform for private ESL tutors. The platform targets young learners and features a whiteboard, co-browser, and 3-D virtual classroom. Koala is very interactive and includes a large library of teaching tools, such as sticky notes, student chat with translation, student awards, and more. Koala has a free version with access to worldwide invoicing, and Koala Pro gives users access to everything from the free version, plus additional features like the ability to upload PDFs and PowerPoints.

Koala Business is another subscription model geared toward multi-tutor businesses. It includes an admin dashboard, teacher management features, lesson plan sharing, and more.

26. TutorBird

TutorBird is a tutor management software marketed to both independent private tutors and owners of multi-tutor businesses. The platform provides tools for managing students, scheduling, invoicing, online payments, and other marketing and business tools.

Users can leverage TutorBird tools to quickly and easily create custom invoices and other documents, automate email and SMS communications, set registration and cancellation policies, and more. The robust calendar feature includes a variety of categories, provides customization options, and integrates with a variety of tech tools.

Teachers can also use a website builder tool to create a custom website where they can add a branded sign-up form for classes. TutorBird provides administrative and student management tools so teachers can focus on teaching.

Discover why independent English teachers need business management software from day one.

AI-powered teaching assistant tools

ChatGPT and Claude.ai have already appeared above, but some excellent AI-driven chatbots and platforms can streamline and enhance lesson plans, other teaching resources, and assessments. Essentially, teachers can use these AI tools as personal teaching assistants. Here are a few examples:

27. Eduaide

Eduaide is an AI-driven platform with over 100 resource types and learning objectives already built in to assist with lesson planning and instructional design. It includes tools to streamline administrative duties, personalize instruction, generate instant feedback, create assessments, and much more. Teachers can create a free account to access many of the features or subscribe for unlimited access.

28. Education Copilot

Education Copilot provides AI-generated templates and other teaching resources that streamline lesson planning and class preparation. Teachers can generate writing prompts, class handouts, student reports, project assignments, and much more. There is a 30-day free trial, but after that, teachers need a subscription to use it.

Becoming a teacherpreneur brings the need for digital tools that support both teaching and business management. As your independent teaching business grows, platforms for scheduling, student management, invoicing, communication, and content creation can help you stay organized and professional. The goal is not to use every tool available but to build a practical system that saves time, improves the student experience, and gives your business room to grow.

The bottom line is that today’s online teachers can leverage some amazing tech tools to enhance their teaching, save time, and expand their earning potential. Whether teachers freelance for an online company, tutor for a marketplace, or teach independently as teacherpreneurs, an essential tech library will help them teach effectively and make the most of their time and skills.

Ready to take the leap into teacherpreneurship? Explore Bridge’s Teacherpreneur Academy and gain the tools and skills you need to launch your own independent teaching business.