Namecoach for Instructors


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. 

Instructions are provided below on how to add Namecoach to your courses in Canvas or Moodle. They also guide you on how to record your name pronunciation, a process that remains consistent across learning management systems. You will only need to record your name once in either Canvas or Moodle. 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.

Using Namecoach in Canvas

How to add Namecoach to your Canvas Course

  1. In your left-hand Course navigation, select Settings.
  2. On the Settings page, select the Navigation tab.
  3. On the Navigation tab, click and drag the Namecoach link to the desired location in the Navigation menu. Release the mouse to drop the link.
  4. Click Save.

Accessing Namecoach in Canvas

  1. Login to Canvas with your NetID and password.
  2. After you have logged in, select a course from the Canvas homepage. You will be directed to the course homepage.
  3. After selecting a course and navigating to the homepage, select “Namecoach” from the left-hand menu.
Using Namecoach in Moodle

How to add Namecoach to your Moodle Course

  1. In the menu bar at the top of your course page, click “Turn editing on” (green pencil icon). Editing icons and links will appear.
  2. In the Section you want Namecoach to appear, click + Add an activity or resource.
  3. In the Add an activity or resource window, select External tool. The Adding a NewExternal tool page opens.
  4. For Activity name, enter “Namecoach”. The name you enter will display as a link on your course page.
  5. From the Preconfigured tool dropdown, select Namecoach.
  6. Under Privacy, uncheck Accept grades from tools.
  7. Scroll to the bottom of the page and select Save and return to course.

Accessing Namecoach in Moodle

  1. Login to Moodle with your NetID and password.
  2. After you have logged in, select “Courses” from the menu at the top of the screen, and select a course. You will be directed to the course homepage.
  3. After selecting a course and navigating to the homepage, select “Namecoach” under general.

Adding name pronunciation to your profile

  1. From the Namecoach page, choose either “Record Name” or “Edit your info” to add name pronunciation.
  2. You will be prompted to select from one of three options to record your name: Phone, Web Recorder, or Uploader.
    1. The Phone option allows you 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, and have more than one opportunity to say your name if you’d like to re-record.
    2. The Web Recorder option allows you 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. The Uploader option allows you to upload an audio file (.mp3, .mp4, .m4a, .wav) into the Namecoach system that will be used as your name pronunciation. Drag and drop your file into the browser window or select “Browse for file” to upload.
  3. After you have added your name pronunciation, select “Submit and Finish” to add your name pronunciation.
  4. You will be able to hear what your recording will sound like from your Namecoach profile by selecting the Play button next to your Name under under “Name/Email”.

Manage your Namecoach recordings

You can 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.