Can Handouts Online Worksheets Be Used for Online Teaching?

Updated

Yes. Handouts Online states its worksheets are "perfect for online teaching" and that teachers can email worksheets directly to students. That means you are not limited to printing: the same materials can be distributed electronically for remote lessons. The site also says all worksheets include step-by-step teaching notes and answer keys, which helps when you are running a lesson through a screen rather than a classroom.

What the site says about online use

Handouts Online describes its resources as suitable for online teaching and highlights two practical points:

  • Email worksheets to students — the site explicitly mentions the ability to email worksheets directly to learners.
  • Print or photocopy for classes — members can download and photocopy materials, so printed packets remain an option for hybrid or in-person use.

The library covers conversation, grammar, games, reading, vocabulary, business English, travel English, telephone English, and instant lessons. Many of these formats — roleplays, quizzes, discussion prompts — work whether students are in a room or on a video call.

How to use a worksheet in an online lesson

  1. Find the worksheet. Browse by category (Business English, Conversation, Reading, Games & Quizzes, etc.) or by grammar topic such as present tenses, conditionals, or modals. The site also provides a search system.
  2. Download it. Members can download and photocopy worksheets for their classes.
  3. Decide how students will see it. You can email the file directly to students, share it during a screen-share, or have students print it at home if they prefer paper.
  4. Use the teaching notes. Each worksheet includes step-by-step instructions and an answer key, so you can follow the intended lesson flow and check answers without preparing your own key.
  5. Run the activity. Conversation and communicative activities can be done verbally; grammar and reading tasks can be completed on screen or on paper and reviewed together.

What to check before relying on it

  • Membership is required for full access. The site lists a low-cost membership at $24 for a full year of unlimited access to all teaching resources. Free sample worksheets are available if you want to test the format first.
  • You need a way to deliver files. The site mentions emailing worksheets to students, but it does not describe a built-in student portal or interactive platform. You will use your own email, learning management system, or screen-sharing tool.
  • Format matters. These are printable worksheets, not interactive digital exercises. For online teaching, that usually means PDF-style distribution, screen sharing, or having students annotate on their own device.

Bottom line

Handouts Online is usable for online teaching because the site explicitly supports emailing worksheets to students and includes teaching notes and answer keys with every worksheet. If you want ready-made ESL/EFL material you can send or screen-share, it fits that use case. Start with the free samples to confirm the format works with your online setup, then decide whether the $24 annual membership is worth it for unlimited access.