Getting Started with Namecoach for Instructors


Table of Contents

About Namecoach

NameCoach is an easy tool for students to record and share the correct pronunciation of their names. It helps UMass Amherst create a welcoming and inclusive campus where everyone feels respected.

Follow the steps below to access NameCoach on Canvas and record your name. You only need to do this once—your recording will then appear automatically in Canvas.

Note: For the best experience, please use the latest version of your web browser.

Step 1: Enable NameCoach in your Canvas course

  1. Login to Canvas
  2. Navigate to umass.edu/canvas
  3. Select LOG INTO CANVAS
  4. Enter your NetID and password
  5. Select Sign in
  6. Authenticate with two-step login if prompted.
  7. Select a course from the Canvas homepage after you have logged in. The course homepage will open.
  8. By default, the NameCoach is already integrated into every Canvas course. And you should be able to find NameCoach on the left side course navigation menu.
  9. If you don’t see NameCoach, select Settings on the left side course navigation menu.
  10. The Course Details page will open, select the Navigation tab on the top. The Navigation page will open.
  11. Locate the NameCoach option, click the 3 vertical dots, and select Enable.
  12. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and select the Save button to save the changes, the NameCoach link will then appear on the left side course navigation menu.

Step 2: Add name pronunciation to your profile

  1. Following the steps above, select NameCoach on the left side course navigation menu.
  2. From the NameCoach page, choose Record Name. The Edit your info window will open.
  3. You will be prompted to select from one of the three options to record your name: Phone, Web Recorder, or Uploader.
    • Phone: use the Phone option to receive an automated call from Namecoach with instructions to record your name. You can re-record as many times as you like during the call.
    • Web Recorder: use the Web Recorder to record your name using your computer’s microphone. You’ll need to allow microphone access by accepting the browser prompt or adjusting your browser settings. Once access is granted, a countdown will start, and when you finish saying your name, press the stop button to end the recording.
    • Uploader: 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.
  5. After recording your name, select Submit and Finish to save it.
  6. To listen to your recording, click the Play button next to your name under Name/Email in your Namecoach profile.

Step 3: Review/Listen to students’ pronunciation recording 

  1. Select NameCoach on the left side course navigation menu. The NameCoach page will open.
  2. You can select the play button for each student under the Name Pronunciation column to hear the recording.