⚠️ NameCoach Integration No Longer Available
Important Notice: The NameCoach integration that was previously available in Blackboard has been discontinued and is no longer accessible to students or faculty.
Enhanced Alternative: Blackboard includes robust built-in name pronunciation features that allow students & faculty to record audio pronunciations and add phonetic spelling directly in their profiles. This information is accessible throughout your courses for improved classroom interactions.
✨ Benefits of Student Name Pronunciation in Blackboard
Support inclusive teaching practices and stronger student engagement:
- Enhance classroom inclusivity by pronouncing students' names correctly during discussions and presentations
- Build stronger student relationships and demonstrate cultural awareness and respect
- Improve student participation - students are more likely to engage when their names are pronounced correctly
- Access pronunciation anywhere - information appears throughout Blackboard in gradebooks, discussions, and rosters
- Support diverse learning environments that welcome students from all backgrounds
📝 How To Add Name Pronunciation in Blackboard
Share these instructions with your students to encourage participation in creating inclusive classrooms:
🎙️ Option 1: Audio Recording
- Students log into Blackboard using their MCPHS credentials
- Click on their name in the main left navigation
- In the "Pronunciation" field, click "Add Pronunciation"
- Click "Record Name Pronunciation" and allow microphone access
- Record clearly - students have 20 seconds for their recording
- Review and re-record if necessary for clarity
- Save changes to make pronunciation available to instructors
📖 Option 2: Phonetic Spelling
- Follow steps 1-3 above to access profile settings
- In the "Pronunciation" text field, type phonetic spelling using recognizable patterns:
Examples: "Catherine" = "KATH-rin" or "José" = "ho-SAY" - Use hyphens to clearly separate syllables
- Capitalize stressed syllables for proper emphasis
- Test pronunciation by reading the phonetic spelling aloud
- Save profile changes to make information visible
💡 Faculty Best Practices for Name Pronunciation
- Encourage participation: Share these instructions with students at the beginning of each semester
- Lead by example: Add your own name pronunciation to your faculty profile
- Check before class: Review pronunciation information for new students before each semester
- Practice pronunciation: Use the audio recordings or phonetic spellings to practice difficult names
- Create inclusive policies: Consider making name pronunciation part of your course introduction activities
- Acknowledge effort: When students add pronunciation information, use it consistently to show appreciation
- Support struggling students: Offer to help students who may need assistance with the technology
🎯 Accessing Student Pronunciation Information
Once students add their pronunciation information, you can access it throughout Blackboard:
- Course rosters: View pronunciation when reviewing class lists
- Grade Center: Access pronunciation information when grading
- Discussion boards: See pronunciation when reading student posts
- Group management: View student pronunciation in group assignment tools
- Profile cards: Hover over or click student names throughout Blackboard