Recommended Products

Over the past 20+ years, I have been asked frequently about the hardware  software tools, as well as books, that I can recommend  for language learning and for teaching online classes.

Although everyone’s needs are different, you might find this list useful in your study and work. Be sure to read the most current reviews and product information to make sure it the product is right for you. 

For full and open disclosure, as an Amazon Associate, I may earn a small commission from qualifying items if you purchase the item through the links below. This supports my work.

Books for Students

• Scholastic Dictionary of Idioms – By far one of the best idiom dictionaries with over 700 expressions AND their origins. A must-have book for any student who is serious about learning how to speak more fluently.
• American Slang Dictionary – A great companion study guide to learning street English.
• English for Everyone Grammar Guide Practice Book – A great book for self-guided language practice.
• Essential Grammar in Use with Answers: A Self-Study Reference and Practice Book for Elementary Learners of English

Books for Teachers

• The ESL / ELL Teacher’s Survival Guide: Ready-to-Use Strategies, Tools, and Activities for Teaching English Language Learners of All Levels
• Active Learning Online: Five Principles that Make Online Courses Come Alive
• The Google Infused Classroom: A Guidebook to Making Thinking Visible and Amplifying Student Voice
• ESL Games for the Classroom: 101 Interactive Activities to Engage Your Students with Minimal Prep
• ESL Games: 176 English Language Games for Children: Make Your Teaching Easy and Fun

Web Camera

• Logitech C920x HD Pro Webcam – One of the best Web cams on the market with great resolution and ease of use. Perfect for online teachers or students who need a quality product.

Microphones

• The Blue Yeti USB Microphone (TOP PICK) – My favorite USB microphone for years. It offers a wide variety of recording patterns, and its build and quality are unmatched. I have used this microphone for years, and is great for recording one or more people for all kinds of projects.
• The FIFINE USB Microphone K668 (BUDGET PICK) – A great bargain microphone that should be a part of anyone’s teaching and content-development budget. A perfect choice for any teacher or student who is participating in online classes or creating other content.
• The FIFINE USB Microphone K688 (MIDDLE ROAD OPTION) – A great mid-range quality microphone that has a volume control knob and a 3.5mm stereo headphone output. It is built like a tank—very durable, yet light.

Lighting

• PHOPIK Softbox Lighting Kit – An excellent lighting kit with tricolored bulbs, stands, and remote controls. 

Tripod

• Neewer 50 Centimeter-Portable Compact Desktop Macro Mini Tripod – This is my favorite portable tripod that is great for holding a camera or light for video products of all kind.

Green Screen

• AFHT 5’X7’Portable Green Screen Backdrop  – A great screen that you can take anywhere and can be used for indoors and outside for video productions.