I’m an English teacher living in Poland with my own office so I know the importance of your workspace, and the impact it has on your productivity. I used to work and teach from home before I got my own office and I’m always thinking about how I can improve my setup. In this article, I’ll lay out some of the items I either have or would love to have to turn my workspace into a teacher’s and content creator’s dream space.
I teach both in-person and online lessons and both spaces are different. But one thing they both have in common is technology. Years ago, I moved away from whiteboards and other such teaching tools. Now, my flat screen tv is my whiteboard, and OneNote is the tool to present the notes in a digital, visual way that’s in the cloud and in sync with all of my students.
On the other hand, my online teaching space is a different setup. Furthermore, I also prepare online video courses for Skillshare so I have additional needs for that workspace.
For starters, I have a desk, with a dual monitor mount. A webcam sits on one of the monitors. And finally, I’ve got a condenser microphone that also sits on the desk. It’s not not quite my dream setup, but you can think of this post as my Vision Board. And I’m sharing that vision with you to hopefully give you some ideas to set yourself up the right way for your own needs.
“This post contains affiliate links. If you decide to purchase any of the curated items listed, I would make a small commission at no extra charge to you.”
The Desk
Let’s start with the foundation of any workspace setup – your desk. Obviously, you’re going to want a stylish piece of furniture. But you should also consider several other aspects such as stability, ergonomics, and cord management. You should also consider the space you’re going to put the desk in. There’s two real options here that should be considered:
– Your standard T-Shaped Gaming/Computer Desk
– An L-Shaped Workstation
Mr IRONESTONE L-Shaped Desk
Place this L-Shaped and ergonomically-friendly desk in a corner, or turn it facing outward to frame yourself in a corner with the wall at your back. This would be an awesome setup for content creators.
Hbada Gaming Desk 55 inch
This gaming desk has plenty of surface area and a strong base to support dual monitor mounts. It also has excellent built in holes for cord management, and a couple of holders for your headphones and drink.
The number one thing to watch out for is a desk with rails underneath the board. These rails could prevent your C-Clamp monitor mount from holding. You want a desk with a flat surface up top and underneath for C-Clamp monitor mounts to work.
MINI PCs
I’m sure you’ve heard the expression, “Use the right tool for the job.” While laptops have their uses, I would say that a mini PC is just as valuable, and easily portable between home and office. For starters, you have the plugs for a dual monitor setup. Additionally, it can double as a media or gaming box for your tv’s in different rooms of the house. And of course it has all the peripherals you need in terms of usb ports, wired internet, connectivity to speakers, and memory card housings. A mini PC brings the power of a desktop pc, with the portability of a laptop that you can easily share between home and work.
CHUWI HeroBox Windows 10 Mini PC
The CHUWI HeroBox Windows 10 Mini PC, is a step up from most starter mini PCs.
It’s higher RAM and better storage make it comparable in specs to most medium range desktops and laptops. You won’t have to worry about your computer’s multi-tasking and storage problems.
Dual Arm Monitor Desk Mount
I started using a dual monitor setup about 6 months ago, and I promise you I’m never going back to single monitor viewing again. Here are two of my picks for a dual mount setup at home or the office.
VIVO Premium Dual Monitor
This VIVO Premium Dual Monitor Pneumatic Spring Arms Desk Mount Fits monitor screens up to 32 inches with standard VESA compatibility.
Monitors
I thought I’d present you with a bit of a choice here. Both options are Full HD.
The first option goes 22 inches (not too big) and good value for money (especially if you’re buying 2). The other option is a bit bigger with super wide view. If you’re into content creation or programming you’ll most definitely appreciate the step up.
HP Pavillion 22cwa 21.5 inch
If you’re going for a dual monitor setup, there’s no need to break the bank on your HP Pavillion 22cwa monitors. At 21.5 inches, and full HD, two of these bad boys will et the job done. Add in the easily accessible ports, anti-glare backlit panel. Your friends will be impressed with your setup.
LG 29 inch UltraWide
Or perhaps you want to level up to the LG 29 inch UltraWide Monitor. Imagine yourself immersed in your work, content creation, or gaming with two of these mounted on your desk. The easily accessible ports make setup fast and simple.
USB Microphone
In today’s times, let’s be honest, everyone wants to get into content creation whether it be YouTube or making your own online classes (like me:). And if you do a lot of working from home, then you’ll also appreciate the need for a usb-microphone. But it doesn’t have to eat up valuable desktop real-estate.
FIFINE Studio (USB) Condenser Microphone
If the theme of your WFH setup is to be neat and tidy with desk-saving gadgetry, why not continue that line of design with this desk mounted studio microphone.
As someone who is into content creation, I do a lot of voiceovers for my online video courses on Skillshare. Additionally, I do Zoom English lessons, and this all-purpose studio microphone gets the job done. I only wish I’d bought the mount that came with the microphone from the start. Learn from my mistake and make this the centerpiece of your online communication and content creation.
Keyboard & Mouse Combo
Mice and Keyboards are traditional peripheries to any computer setup. No need for you to waste a usb slot by buying these separately.
Logitech MK335
With Logitech’s trusted brand name and quality and a seriously high number of hot keys this keyboard has it all. And the comfortable grip and accuracy of the mouse make for comfortable and efficient use on the computer.
Webcam
If you plan on doing any streaming, online communication, or video tutorials then a webcam is an absolute must. While I was tempted to opt for the Logitech c920, this streaming kit was too good to pass up. I’m talking straight up best value for money.
2020 Streaming Kit
Get more bang for your buck with this Streaming Kit. The centerpiece of this trio is the NEXIGO Full HD Business Webcam. It’s plug and play and compatible with both Windows and Mac.
The trio also comes with a ring light, attached to a desk clamp gooseneck arm so you can position it as you like, while saving valuable desk real-estate.
The icing on the cake is the 4-port USB 3.0 hub.
All-in-one Printer
If you plan on doing any streaming, online communication, or video tutorials then a webcam is an absolute must. While I was tempted to opt for the Logitech c920, this streaming kit was too good to pass up. I’m talking straight up best value for money.
HP DeskJet 2722 All-in-one
Take care of all your and your family’s printing needs with this all-in-one printer. Additionally, sign up for HP’s ink replacement plan and never get caught out on low ink again.
Speaker
Having a portable bluetooth speaker around the house is a godsend. Take it to the kitchen to jam out to your music while whipping up a tasty meal. Or play your deep focus music at your WFH studio setup and get things done.
Sony SRS
Many portable blue tooth speakers come with weak sound and poor bass output but not this bad boy. It comes with a mic so you can take your calls hands free on speaker. You’ll find so many uses for this speaker, it’s a great accessory for your WFH setup.
Earbuds
Having a portable bluetooth speaker around the house is a godsend. Take it to the kitchen to jam out to your music while whipping up a tasty meal. Or play your deep focus music at your WFH studio setup and get things done.
Lenovo True Wireless Earbuds Bluetooth 5.0
Sometimes you need a bit of privacy with your sound whether it’s listening to music, doing your online communication, or editing the audio for your content creation. These earbuds are perfect for your needs. Also comes with a type-c charging station for rapid charging so you won’t have to wait long when that annoying but inevitable “low battery, please charge” announcement comes through your ear.
Armless Office Chair
One of the most important aspects of your setup is your desk chair. You most definitely want something with spine support and this one has it. And why armless you ask? Well firstly, you don’t want to be feeling boxed in by those arms. I mean you’re working at your desk so what do you need the arms for anyway. Secondly, it will fit neatly under any desk without the arms getting in the way.
Molents Task Chair Armless
Get your work done comfortably in this dapper-looking office armless chair. It uses high-quality sponge filling, upholstery. It also features an arched backrest for lumbar spine support. Store it anywhere in any room down to its ergonomic design.
Final Word
2020 has definitely changed us all and will have a lasting impact on how we live moving forward into 2021 and beyond. Many people like myself will be looking for independence from companies and offices altogether. While others who remain apart of the office culture, may be asked to switch to a regular work from home arrangement. No matter what, this will be the new norm.
As a teacher, blogger, and content creator, I’m here to help. If you’re looking to not only upgrade your setup, but also your productivity, you may also like another post where I’ve curated 4 online courses you can try for free to boost your WFH productivity. It can be found here – WFH in 2021 – These 4 Courses Teach What you Need to Know.
Have a great 2021!
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