How to Use a Random Name Picker in Class
Set up a classroom name wheel, give every student a turn with Fair Round, handle absent students and save a reusable list without an account.
A classroom name picker helps you choose a reader, a discussion starter or the next person to share an answer. Decide whether repeats are useful before you spin: a fresh random draw and a full participation round solve different problems.
Open the random name picker →Set up your class list
Open the name wheel and replace the example names with your class list. Put one student on each line; a copied spreadsheet column works too. Use first names or initials if the wheel will be projected.
The same label can occur more than once. Two entries called Sam are two separate choices, so add an initial if you need to distinguish them. Review duplicates before starting a round.
- Open Edit all, choose Full text / paste table, and replace the sample list.
- Preview the text changes, then save your entries.
- Choose Fair Round in Wheel Settings → Rules and confirm a new round.
- Press the spin button, or Space when focus is outside an input.
Choose the right participation rule
Fair Round and No Repeats exclude a name after it wins until a new round starts. Random mode considers every enabled name again on each spin. Equal weights give equal chances among the names still eligible.
| Classroom task | Mode | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| One discussion starter | Random | Choose one enabled student. |
| Everyone reads once | Fair Round | Each name sits out after its turn. |
| Several different helpers | No Repeats | Draw one name per spin without selecting it again in that round. |
Handle absences and changes during a round
Disable an absent student in Advanced controls instead of deleting their name. Re-enabling a student who has already been picked does not give them an extra turn in the active round. A student who has not been picked becomes eligible when enabled.
When every eligible student has had a turn, start a new round. If you want to keep a completed round intact, export the results before clearing the log.
Assign students to teams one at a time
For team assignment, use the team picker with team names as the choices. Keep a separate roster and spin once per student in Fair Round. Start a new round after all teams have been selected; this keeps assignments balanced across complete rounds.
This is a sequential wheel, not an automatic roster splitter. It does not generate several teams in one click or collect student signups.
Save your list and present it clearly
Wheels save in this browser on this device. Find them through More options → My wheels. Export a wheel backup to keep a separate copy before clearing browser data or changing devices.
Use Present for a larger view. If motion is distracting, enable Reduced motion in settings; the committed winner still appears in text. A share link gives the recipient their own copy and does not synchronize a class session.
Common questions
Can I pick a student without repeats?
Yes. Choose No Repeats or Fair Round, start a round and spin once for each student you need. Selected names stay out until the next round.
Do students need an account?
No. The teacher can run the wheel without accounts for themselves or their students. Student names are stored in the teacher’s browser unless the teacher exports or shares them.
Can I import a spreadsheet?
Copy a column of names and paste it into Add choices, or import a CSV through More options. There is no direct Google Sheets connection.
Explore the selection methodology and probability simulator.