Classroom random name picker

Pick students fairly from a class list: paste names, dedupe, eliminate repeats, and keep data on the device.

Teachers need a transparent way to choose who answers next. Paste one student per line, dedupe nicknames, and pick one or more names with optional elimination.

Student data stays on the classroom device unless you copy results elsewhere.

Prepare a class list

Paste from your roster spreadsheet or SIS export with one student per line. Prefer unique labels classmates recognize.

Run Dedupe before the first draw when imports might contain duplicate rows or nickname variants.

Save the list under a period name in Options if you teach the same roster daily.

Repeat rounds without skipping anyone

Enable Elimination so students already picked leave the pool until Reset history—matches many ‘everyone gets a turn’ rules.

Use Shuffle order when you need a line order or presentation sequence instead of a single winner.

Reset history between classes on the same device if elimination state should not carry over.

Privacy on shared classroom computers

Lists and history live in localStorage only; they are not uploaded to a district cloud.

Clear the list or browser site data when the period ends on shared machines.

Avoid displaying full legal names on a public hallway screen if your policy restricts it—first names may suffice.

What this classroom picker is not

It does not grade students, sync with an LMS, or prove attendance.

It does not stop students from adding fake names if you leave the textarea editable during class—supervise edits.

It is not a substitute for individualized education plans or participation equity policies you set as a teacher.

Building trust with students

Show the class the dedupe step when imports might double-count a student. Transparency reduces accusations that the picker is rigged.

Rotate who reads the winner aloud so the tool stays neutral—students hear a peer voice, not only the teacher.

When using Elimination, post a sticky note on the monitor that history resets each unit so students know when their name returns to the pool.

ELL and nickname policies

Paste the names students prefer to hear, including diacritics if your font supports them.

Dedupe carefully when roster exports include legal and preferred names on separate lines.

Read winners slowly when language learners need repetition.

Hybrid classrooms

Screen-share the reveal area so remote students see the same winner as in-person peers.

Copy results into chat for students who disconnect right after the pick.

Reset history when switching between in-person sections taught through the same link.

Attendance changes

Add late arrivals on new lines before the next pick; Dedupe if they were already listed absent. Reset history only when you want everyone back in the pool.