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13 Online Teaching Background Ideas + How to Choose One
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So you’ve got all your essentials for teaching online. From testing your computer and internet speed and arranging your home office to buying a computer, headset, and microphone it is all ready to go.
But do you have a background? Or is your ClassIn screen a boring white wall behind you? If it’s the latter, you’re in the right place!
There are several different types of backgrounds that online teachers can use. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the best online teaching background ideas for a variety of budgets and help you decide which one is right for you!
Why is a Teaching Background Important?
When you are online teaching, it is important to have a good background. It will help you to connect with your students, keep them interested, and provide a better learning experience for them.
A good online teaching background can also help to set the tone for your class. If you are teaching a serious class, then a more subdued background will be appropriate.
Pro Tip: If you are teaching a fun and interactive class, then a brighter background may be better.
Also, a good teaching background can help impress interviewers if you are applying to work for a remote learning company. Many online teaching companies will want to see a professional-looking background in your interview.
In short, a good online teaching background can make a big difference in your online teaching experience!
Types of Online Teaching Backgrounds
So, what are some good online teaching background ideas? Here are a few of the most popular types of online teaching backgrounds:
1. Whiteboard Backgrounds
Whiteboard backgrounds are a great option for online teachers. They are professional and can be used for a variety of different classes. You can find whiteboard backgrounds on Amazon or other online retailers.
2. Green Screen Backgrounds
Green screen backgrounds allow you to use any background you want! All you need is a green screen (which you can purchase on Amazon or other online retailers).
You’ll also need some software to superimpose your desired background over the green screen. ManyCam is a favorite virtual background software with many online teachers.
3. Chalkboard Backgrounds
Chalkboard backgrounds are another popular option for online teachers. They add a touch of fun and creativity to your online classroom. You can find chalkboard backgrounds on Amazon or other online retailers.
4. Bookshelves
Bookshelves are a great way to add some personality to your online teaching space. They also help you keep organized! You can find bookshelves at most online retailers or home improvement stores.
5. Plants
Plants are a great way to add some life to your online teaching space. They can also help improve your concentration and focus. You can find plants at most online retailers or home improvement stores.
6. World Maps
World maps are a great way to add some global perspective to your online teaching space. They are also a great way to learn about different cultures and countries. You can find world maps at most online retailers or home improvement stores.
7. Graphic Fabrics
Graphic fabrics are a great way to add some personality to your online teaching space. They come in a variety of colors and patterns, so you can find the perfect one to match your style. You can find graphic fabrics at most online retailers or fabric stores.
8. Country Flags
Country flags are a great way to add some international flavor to your online teaching space. They are also a great way to learn about different cultures and countries. You can find country flags at most online retailers or home improvement stores.
9. Educational Classroom Posters
Classroom posters are a great way to add some fun and creativity to your online teaching space. You can find classroom posters at most online retailers or education supply stores. Dollar Tree and the Bullseye bins at Target also have them from time to time.
10. Acrylic Calendar
A generic acrylic calendar that can be rewritten for each month of the year can be a lot of fun. You can highlight special dates for that month, including a holiday or your students’ birthdays.
11. Tri fold Boards
Trifold boards are a great way to add some professionalism to your online teaching space. They are also a great way to keep your notes and materials organized. You can find trifold boards at most online retailers or office supply stores.
12. Festive or Holiday Items
Festive or holiday items are a great way to add some fun and personality to your online teaching space. You can find festive/holiday items at most online retailers or party supply stores.
13. Bitmoji
A Bitmoji is a great way to add some fun and personality to your online teaching space. You can create your own Bitmoji or use one of the pre-made options. You can find Bitmoji online at the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
You can also install the Bitmoji Chrome extension on your desktop and use your signature Bitmoji in all your designs. This allows you to copy and paste your Bitmoji into your PowerPoints, Word docs, Canva templates, and more.
Fun Fact: You can even print it on a Word doc and put it on the wall of your online teaching background!
Tips for Choosing an Online Teaching Background Idea
It can be confusing trying to determine what online teaching background idea is best for your needs. Ultimately, it’s important to choose a background that is professional and distraction-free yet also engaging and interesting.
It always helps to tailor your background to your personality.
Lighting and a good camera are key! Make sure your online teaching space is well lit and that your camera is positioned in a way that is flattering and shows off your best features.
If you’re using a green screen, make sure the green screen is properly set up and that there are no wrinkles or creases. Ensure that your lighting does not create distracting shadows that mar the projected image in your virtual classroom.
If you’re using a chalkboard or whiteboard, make sure the surface is clean and free of any markings. Keep an eraser handy if you plan to write on the chalkboard or whiteboard during your online classes.
If you’re using plants, make sure they are healthy and well cared for. Choose plant types that are low maintenance and can handle low light settings, if you teach in a room with few windows.
In addition, before each class, check to ensure you don’t need to clean up fallen leaves or petals from the plants.
If you’re using bookshelves, make sure they are neat and organized. Ensure the book titles are professional and appropriate for the ages you are teaching.
If you’re using world maps, make sure they are accurate and up to date. Laminated maps should not give off glare from the room lighting when your camera is on.
Pro Tip: Many Chinese ESL companies, like VIPKid, don’t allow maps that show Taiwan as its own country rather than as a part of China.
If you’re using graphic fabrics, make sure they are wrinkle-free. Also, ensure that the patterns are professional and appropriate for the age range you are teaching.
For example, Paw Patrol puppies may not be the best choice if you’re teaching adult learners.
If you’re using classroom posters, make sure they are appropriate for your online teaching space. Make sure that laminated posters don’t have an awkward glare from the lighting in your room.
With country flags, make sure they are positioned correctly and that the colors are bright and vibrant.
Related Reading: 9 Best Lighting Options for Online Teaching
If you’re using tri-fold boards, make sure they are clean and free of any markings. Also, ensure that they are not bent or torn.
If you’re using festive or holiday items, make sure they are appropriate for your online teacher background. Keep track of the holidays and festive times so that you change and update them timely. No one actually enjoys Christmas in July!
Overall, when in doubt, less is more! A simple online teaching background can be just as effective as a busy one.
Online Teaching Background Ideas for Teaching Kids
Teaching kids online is always a fun adventure. Sometimes it’s a lot of fun to go the extra mile and create a really fun online teaching background idea. Try these if you want to create something really special for your students.
👍Use a green screen and change your background to different places around the world.
👍 Project images of the solar system or stars on the ceiling, or the wall behind you, using a projector.
👍 Hang a world map or globe in your online teaching space, and decorate it with stickers of animals that live in various places.
👍 Build a fort out of blankets and pillows and teach from inside of it.
👍 Set up an indoor picnic with a tablecloth, some snacks, and some fun toys.
👍 If you’re teaching English online, consider adding ABCs or numbers to your online classroom background. Your online ESL students will love it!
With so many online teaching background ideas to choose from, you’re sure to find one that works for you! Just remember to keep it professional and appropriate for your students’ age range. And most importantly, have fun with it!
Online Teaching Background Ideas for Teaching Adults
Just because you are teaching adults does not mean that you can’t create an interesting background for online teaching. Here are some fun ways to engage even your adult students during online classes.
👍 Display photos or artwork from your travels around the world.
👍 Hang all of your education degrees and certifications on the wall to highlight your extensive credentials and online education background.
👍 Use bookshelves to display books on topics that interest you and your students.
👍 Create a collage of different country flags to represent the diversity of your students.
👍 Use a green screen to show you are having class somewhere fun in the world, like a Parisian cafe or a Chinese hot pot restaurant.
Online Teaching Background Ideas for Digital Nomads
If you are a digital nomad, online teaching is the perfect way to make money while traveling. And with a little creativity, you can use your online teaching background to give your students a window into your amazing life.
When packing for travel, remember that your online teaching background should be simple and two-dimensional. Whenever possible, use what you have where you’re staying so you don’t have to pack as much.
This is why many digital nomads choose minimalist online teaching background ideas, like a hanging fabric with a world map on it. However, travel is a perfect time to be extra creative with your teaching backgrounds.
✅ If you are teaching from an Airbnb, take advantage of the unique features of your rental property. Perhaps you have a beautiful view of the cityscape or mountainside that you can show your students.
✅ If you are staying in a hotel room, make sure to tidy up before each class and remove any personal items from view.
✅ If you are lucky enough to be able to teach from outside, take advantage of it! Teach from a sunny park bench or by the pool at your hostel. Just make sure you have good internet connection.
✅ And if all else fails, you can always create a cozy online teaching space in your bedroom or living room. Just make sure your bed is made and there is no laundry in sight!
No matter where you are in the world, there are endless possibilities for interesting and unique online teaching backgrounds. So get out there and start exploring! And don’t forget to take some pictures along the way to share with your students.
Where to Find Inspiration for Online Teaching Background Ideas
If you are feeling stuck, Pinterest is always a great place to look for inspiration. You can also follow other online teachers on social media to see what they are doing in their online teaching spaces.
But here are some other places you can look for inspiration for your online teaching background. Check out interior design blogs or magazines to get ideas for how to set up your space.
Look at pictures of real classrooms online or in books to get ideas for how to arrange your furniture and supplies.
Take a walk around your neighborhood or town and take pictures of interesting doors or windows that you could use as a backdrop for your online teaching space.
Search the internet for images of famous landmarks or natural wonders that you could use as your online teaching background.
And finally, don’t forget to ask your students for ideas! They will be happy to help you create a space where they feel comfortable learning.
With so many online teaching background ideas to choose from, you’re sure to find one that works for you! Just remember to keep it professional and appropriate for your students’ age range. And most importantly, have fun with it!
Online Teaching Background Idea Essentials
Be sure to use a lot of colors and interesting features. Remember to think of it as a frame. As an online teacher, you are the most important part of your online classroom. Don’t over-decorate.
Leave a relatively blank space in the middle where you’ll be sitting. The last thing you want is for your students to try to see what’s behind you.
You should include your name somewhere on your background. This will help your students remember you and be able to rebook with you more easily.
Conclusion: Online Teaching Background Ideas
There are many different types of online teaching backgrounds to choose from! The most important thing is to find one that works well for you and your online teaching style.
With so many options available, you are sure to find the perfect online teaching background for your needs!
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