About Namecoach

Namecoach is an easy-to-use tool for students and instructors to record and share name pronunciation. The integration of Namecoach across campus platforms supports UMass Amherst's commitment to building a welcoming and inclusive campus community where every individual feels a sense of belonging. 

The instructions provided below detail how to access Namecoach Canvas and Moodle. They also guide you on recording your name pronunciation, a process that remains consistent across both UMass Learning Management Systems (LMS). Once you record your name in Canvas or Moodle, you will not need to do it again. Your Namecoach pronunciation will be automatically integrated into all UMass Amherst Learning Management Systems after saving your recording.

Note: We recommend making sure that your browser is up to date for the best experience using Namecoach.

Accessing Namecoach in Canvas

1. Login to Canvas
   1. Navigate to umass.edu/canvas
   2. Select Log in to Canvas.
   3. Enter your NetID and password.
   4. Select Sign in.
   5. Authenticate with two-step login if prompted.
2. Select a course from the Canvas homepage after you have logged in. You will be directed to the course homepage.    
3. Select Namecoach from the left-hand menu after selecting a course and navigating to the homepage. 

Note: If you do not see Namecoach listed, it’s possible that the tool has not been added to your course yet, or was added under a different name. Contact your instructor for course-specific information.

Accessing Namecoach in Moodle

1. Login to Moodle.
   1. Navigate to umass.edu/canvas
   2. Select Sign in to Moodle.
   3. Select Log In from the top-right corner of the Moodle homepage.
   4. Enter your NetID and password and click Sign in.
   5. Authenticate with two-step login if prompted.
2. Select Courses from the menu at the top of the screen after logging in. You will be directed to the course homepage.
3. Select Namecoach under general after selecting a course and navigating to the homepage.

Note: If you do not see Namecoach listed, it’s possible that the tool has not been added to your course yet, or was added under a different name. Contact your instructor for course-specific information.

Adding name pronunciation to your profile

1. Choose either Record Name or Edit your info to add name pronunciation from the Namecoach page in your Learning Management System (Canvas, Moodle), 
2. You will be prompted to select from one of three options to record your name: Phone, Web Recorder, or Uploader.
   1. Use the Phone option to receive a call from the Namecoach system to record your name. You will receive instructions on how to record your name on the automated call. You will have multiple opportunities to say your name if you’d like to re-record.
   2. Use the Web Recorder option to speak directly into your computer microphone to add pronunciation. Microphone access will need to be granted if you select this option, which can be done by selecting accept from the pop-up, or managing permissions on your browser. Once access has been granted, a countdown to the recording start will begin. After you are finished saying your name, press the stop button to end the recording.
   3. Use the Uploader option to upload an audio file (.mp3, .mp4, .m4a, .wav) into the Namecoach system that will be used as your name pronunciation.
   4. Drag and drop your file into the browser window or select Browse for file to upload.
3. Select Submit and Finish to add your name pronunciation after adding your name pronunciation.
4. Select the Play button next to your name under Name/Email to hear what your recording in your Namecoach profile.

Manage your Namecoach recordings

Re-record your name multiple times by following the LMS instructions above. The latest version will update across all platforms. To delete your Namecoach recording, email support@name-coach.com from your UMass email address. For an immediate fix, you can update your current recording to a new, silent recording and then contact Namecoach support to remove it.