Why teachers use a random name picker
Cold-calling with a random picker keeps the whole class paying attention, because anyone could be next. It also removes the feeling that the teacher always picks the same students. Students can see the wheel spin on the board, so they know the choice was fair.
Setting up your class wheel
- Copy your class list from your register, spreadsheet or Google Classroom and paste it into Entries, one student per line.
- Leave Remove winner after each spin on. Each student drops off the wheel once they've had a turn.
- Click Fullscreen to show the wheel on your projector or smartboard.
- Click Share link and bookmark it as "Class 7B" (for example) to reload that list in one click next lesson. Your last list is also saved automatically in this browser.
20 ways to use the wheel in class
Participation
- Pick who answers the next question
- Choose who reads the next paragraph aloud
- Set the presentation order for the whole class
- Pick the day's helper, line leader or monitor
- Choose who shares their answer after think-pair-share
Learning games
- Spin vocabulary words, and the student has to use the word in a sentence
- Put question numbers on the wheel for quiz reviews
- Spin a topic for a two-minute talk
- Spin a letter for alphabet categories
- Spin a number for times-table challenges
Classroom management
- Pick a reward from a prize wheel at the end of the week
- Choose a brain-break activity
- Assign classroom jobs fairly
- Split the class into groups with the team generator
- Decide which group presents first
Tips from the classroom
- Protect anxious students: tell the class they can say "pass" once, or ask a friend for help. The wheel keeps things fair without putting anyone on the spot.
- Reset each lesson: paste the full list back in at the start of each lesson so everyone is back on the wheel.
- Use first names only: for privacy, there's no need for surnames. Your list stays on your device anyway.
How SpinFair keeps every spin fair
Most wheel sites use Math.random(), which is fine for games but isn't built for fairness. SpinFair picks the winner with crypto.getRandomValues(), the same cryptographic random source browsers use to make passwords and security keys. We also use rejection sampling, so every entry gets exactly the same chance, with no small bias towards the first items on the list.
The winner is chosen before the wheel starts moving, and the animation simply lands on it. Spin speed, how hard you click or when you click can't change the result. Nobody can rig it, including us: your entries stay in your browser and are never sent to a server.
Frequently asked questions
How do I make sure every student gets a turn?
Keep Remove winner after each spin turned on. Each student is removed after they're picked, so nobody gets a second turn until everyone has had one.
Can I save different class lists?
Your last list is saved automatically in your browser. For several classes, paste each list in, click Share link and bookmark that link with the class name.
Does it work on a smartboard or projector?
Yes. Click Fullscreen to show the wheel on its own. Students can tap the wheel on an interactive board to spin it.
Is it safe to put student names in?
Yes. Names stay in your browser and are never uploaded to SpinFair's servers. Using first names only is good practice.
Can I use it with Google Classroom or Zoom?
Yes. Share your screen in Zoom or Google Meet and spin. You can also post the Share link in Google Classroom.
More free wheels and pickers
- Wheel SpinnerSpin a custom wheel of names or choices
- Random Name PickerDraw names from a list, with no repeats
- Yes or No WheelSpin for a random yes or no answer
- Number WheelRandom numbers from any range
- Letter WheelRandom letters for word games
- Random Team GeneratorSplit names into fair teams
- Giveaway WheelPick fair raffle and giveaway winners
- Food WheelWhat should I eat? Spin to decide
- Decision WheelLet the wheel make the choice
- Truth or Dare WheelParty game spinner with ready-made questions