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A fair way to call on students
Choosing who answers next is a small decision teachers make dozens of times a day. Picking the same keen hands can leave quieter students out, while picking someone directly can feel targeted. A visible name picker wheel is neutral: the class sees the spin, and the result belongs to the wheel.
This wheel starts with 24 diverse example names so you can see how it works. Replace them with your own class list in seconds.
Setting it up for your class
- Click Clear and paste your names, one per line, or import a .txt or .csv file.
- Switch to Elimination mode so each name drops off once picked.
- Set a result title, such as "Your turn", in Settings.
- Save the wheel. Make one per class if you teach several groups.
On an interactive whiteboard, students can see their name come up, and the brief suspense helps keep attention on the lesson.
Ideas for using it in lessons
Use Elimination mode to set the order for presentations or reading aloud. Spin to choose helpers for handing out books, or to pick team captains. During a quiz, spin a name before revealing each question so everyone stays ready to answer.
Some teachers allow a "phone a friend" option: the picked student can nominate a classmate to help. That keeps the pace up without putting anyone on the spot.
Privacy and sharing
Names stay in your browser on your own device. If you share the link or embed the wheel, the names travel with it, so keep class lists to trusted colleagues. For public demos, use first names only or the example list.
If a student is absent, remove their name for the day with Remove from wheel, then reset the saved list next lesson so they are back on it.
You can also set a short thinking time before each spin, so every student prepares an answer in case their name comes up.