My Office–Teaching and Working Remotely from the Boat

 by Lucy

Working from a boat can seem like an impossibility. Between the distractions, the constant worry over the internet, and limited space, not to mention the spouse who loves to clank and sneeze, it can seem overwhelming. 
I've been working from our various boat homes for over two years now. I videoconference with students across the world. I've taught through thunderstorms, sunrises, sunsets, and desk rearranging wakes. Once you've got into the swing of things, it's not any more complicated than working from a land-based home. 
Here's my setup for videoconferencing.

Internet Access

I use an AT&T unlimited data SIM in a mobile hotspot. We have a cell booster on our mast which boosts my data download and upload speeds. You can get away with a weak signal if you are just checking email, but if you are video conferencing six students at once, you need fast speeds!

Camera Background and Office Setup

I use a felt background (felt purchased from Wal-Mart). It's easy to roll up and store. I hang it on command hooks while at home and one time use command strips if traveling via hotels.
I can easily change my felt background to switch between VIPKid (teaching English to Chinese children) and Outschool (teaching mostly American kids). 
Computer stand: This is really helpful to raise the computer to eye level. If you are video conferencing, you don't want to be looking down or looking up at the camera.
Lighting: Lighting for videoconferencing is super important! I often teach during sunrise or sunset and the changing light can come into the cabin like a beam, blinding me or causing weird shadows.
The first step is to block out all natural light with towels and curtains. Then, I add artificial light back in with LED selfie lights. The sun shining through the portlights in our boat produces a light too harsh for my webcam to cope with. 

Tear Down

At the end of the day, my mobile office packs down nicely and gets put in a drawer. 
Here are links to the items I use in my office on the go. 
Luci lights, rechargeable by solar or USB: https://amzn.to/30AAWVH
Selfie lights, rechargeable by USB  https://amzn.to/2KmBo2c  https://amzn.to/2VH5anq
Twinkle lights for background, rechargeable by USB: https://amzn.to/3hrOn0Q
External camera: better definition, better light  https://amzn.to/2VMCRUv
Computer Stand: https://amzn.to/2VEmh9u
Finally Wi-Fi for internet on the go: https://finallywifi.com/
Cell Booster:  https://amzn.to/3cDk58T

Do you work from your boat? Or do you have questions about working on the road? Let me know in the comments! Cheers, Lucy 

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