NameCoach Instructor Guide
NameCoach is a recording tool integrated into Canvas to allow students, faculty, and staff to record the correct pronunciation of their name, identify their pronouns, as well as hear how others' names should be pronounced. You can use a computer, phone, or tablet to record your name and set your preferences.
Once your name is recorded in Canvas for one of your courses, you will not have to do it again for each course, it will be saved to your profile.
How to Record Your Name
You will find the 'Record Your Name' option in two places in Canvas. One is from your specific course page and the other will be from your account profile. Log in to Canvas and follow the instructions below to record your name.
Step 1: Click on your Account icon and select Record Your Name from the menu.
Or navigate to your specific Course and select Record Your Name from the class options.
Step 2: If it is your first time using Name Coach you may see this authorization pop up. Make sure your name and email are correct and click Authorize.
Step 3: Now you will see your name next to a purple Record Name button. Press Record Name or Update to view the recording options
Recording Options
When you click record, you will have three recording options to choose from.
Option 1: By Phone - enter your phone number and click Call Me. NameCoach will call your phone and will prompt you with instructions. You will be able to listen to your recording and re-record if you wish. After you complete the call, go back to the page in Canvas and click Submit and Finish to save your recording.
Option 2: Web Recorder - this records your name in the same browser using your computer's audio. Click the Record button and wait for the prompt before speaking. You can stop the recording, then click Submit and Finish. After you submit, you are able to hear your recording and re-record if you would like.
Option 3: Uploader - this option allows you to upload an mp3 file of your name recording.
You can also type in your pronouns on this screen.
Now you can playback your name to make sure it sounds ok and this recording will be applied to all of your courses. You can also make changes to your name and preferences by clicking on Record Your Name from the Account tab.
Listening to Class Recordings
As an instructor, you can listen to the pronunciation of the names of all of the students in your class.
Step 1: Click on Record Your Name from your Canvas course navigation menu and you will see a list of your students. Click the purple play button to the right of someone's name to hear the recording.
Sending Reminder Emails to Students
The roster is divided into two groups, those who have recorded their names and those who have not. Navigate to the tab to see who still needs to make recordings or send email reminders.
You can click on the email icon in the Actions column to send an email to a particular student. You will be able to view and edit the email before it sends.
To send a mass email to everyone who has not completed the recording, click on the Remind All button on the Unrecorded Names tab.
Creating Assignment in Canvas
It is a good idea to set up an assignment for students to record their names as one of the first assignments before the course begins.
Step 1: Create a canvas assignment using the Assignments in Canvas
Step 2: Enter the Assignment name and description in the respective fields
Step 3: Change the Submission type to ‘External Tool’
Step 4: Click Find and select the Record Your Name tool in the ‘External tool URL’ field
Step 5: Click Save to save the assignment
Adding NameCoach to Copied Course Templates
If you use an old course template to copy your Canvas structure, the Record Your Name option may not show up in your course navigation bar. Follow these steps to add it.
Step 1: Go into your course and click Settings. Click on the Navigation tab and locate the Record Your Name feature (you may have to scroll through the whole list of items that you have hidden from students)
Step 2: Drag the Record Your Name bar to the top section with the other visible items.
Step 3: Make sure you click Save all the way at the bottom of the page to save this addition.
Tips for Faculty
- Before the semester starts, record your own name in NameCoach
- On the first day of class, introduce yourself and your pronouns
- ex: "Hi everyone, I am Professor Stevens and my pronouns are she/her"
- Thank the students who have already added their pronunciations and pronouns and encourage students to use the tool. This helps normalize the sharing of this information, rather than drawing undue attention to unfamiliar names or assuming a student’s pronouns.
- Use an icebreaker to learn student names and have them use each other's names.
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