Widgets
Name picker
The name picker widget helps you randomly select a student from your class roster, making participation fair and transparent. With just a click, the tool highlights one student’s name, so everyone knows the selection is unbiased.
Teachers use the name picker when calling on students to answer questions, choose helpers, or assign tasks. It’s also helpful for group activities, games, and any time you want to give every student an equal chance to participate.
Ways teachers use it
- Call on a student to answer a question during class discussions.
- Choose a helper for classroom jobs fairly.
- Assign students to groups or teams without bias.
- Select a student to share their work or ideas with the class.
- Pick a student to start a game or activity.
How to set it up
- 1Add the name picker widget to your classroom screen from the widget menu.
- 2Import your class roster or type in student names directly.
- 3Click the 'Pick a name' button to randomly select a student.
- 4Repeat as needed, or reset to start over.
- 5You can save and reuse your class list for future lessons.
Tips
- Update your roster at the start of each term to keep it accurate.
- Use the name picker to encourage quieter students to participate.
- Explain to your class how the tool works, so students see the process is fair.
- Try using the name picker for fun activities, not just questions or tasks.
Questions teachers ask
Can I use the name picker with multiple classes?
Yes, you can save and switch between different class rosters in your account.
Will the same student be picked twice in a row?
The picker is random, so it's possible, but you can choose to remove names after selection.
Is it possible to customize how the names appear?
You can edit the font size and colors to fit your screen or classroom style.
Does this tool work on interactive whiteboards?
Yes, the name picker works on any computer or interactive display.
Templates with this widget
Pre-K (ages 3–5)
Class discussion for pre-K (ages 3–5)
Start a simple class discussion with pre-K using word clouds, polls, and a timer.
Kindergarten to 2nd grade
Class discussion for kindergarten–2nd grade
Lead a class discussion for K–2 using a word cloud, poll, checklist, name picker, and timer.
Grades 3–5 (ages 8–11)
Class discussion for grades 3–5
A ready-made screen for leading class discussions with interactive tools for grades 3–5.
Grades 6-8 (ages 11–14)
Class discussion for grades 6–8
Lead engaging class discussions with interactive tools for grades 6–8.
Grades 9–12 (ages 14–18)
Class discussion for grades 9–12
Guide thoughtful high school discussions using interactive tools and polls.
Pre-K (ages 3–5)
Warm-up routine for pre-K (ages 3–5)
A simple, visual warm-up routine for pre-K with timer, name picker, checklist, and drawing board.
Kindergarten to 2nd grade
Warm-up routine for kindergarten–2nd grade
A simple warm-up screen for K–2 with timer, checklist, drawing, and class tools.
Grades 3–5 (ages 8–11)
Warm-up routine for grades 3–5
A ready-made warm-up screen for grades 3–5: instructions, timer, checklist, and more—easy to adapt for any subject.