Random Student Picker
The Random Student Picker helps you choose one student from a saved class list. It supports pasted names, classroom mode, picked history, undo, reset, and fullscreen display for fair participation.
Free classroom tools for teachers
A fast, free classroom toolkit for teachers.
PickTools.net gives teachers simple browser-based tools for student selection, random groups, and classroom timing. No sign-up required.
FreeNo sign-upBrowser-based
What Is PickTools.net?
PickTools.net is a free collection of classroom tools for teachers who need quick, practical help during a lesson. It is designed for everyday classroom moments: choosing a student to answer a question, creating small groups, setting a visible timer, or keeping an activity moving without opening a complicated platform.
The tools run directly in the browser, so they work well on a teacher laptop, classroom computer, tablet, phone, projector, or smartboard. You can open one tool for a quick task or use all three together during the same class.
Free Classroom Tools for Teachers
The goal is to keep common classroom routines simple. There is no account setup, no student login, and no dashboard to configure before class starts. Teachers can paste a roster, generate groups, or start a timer in a few clicks.
PickTools.net is especially useful for warm-ups, review games, partner tasks, presentations, exit tickets, reading aloud, vocabulary practice, discussion rounds, and transitions between activities. The interface is intentionally direct so students can understand what is happening when the screen is shared with the class.
You can also explore our classroom resources for teaching strategies, classroom management tips, and productivity ideas connected to the tools.
Random Group Generator
The Random Group Generator uses the same saved class lists as the picker. You can group students by number of groups or by students per group, then copy, print, or show the results fullscreen.
Classroom Timer
The Classroom Timer is separate from student rosters. It includes countdown and stopwatch modes, sound options, a last-ten-seconds warning, and a large fullscreen view for projectors and classroom displays.
Why Teachers Use PickTools.net
Classroom tools need to be fast because teachers often use them in the middle of instruction. PickTools.net keeps the main actions visible, uses large buttons, and avoids unnecessary setup. The picker and group generator share the same roster data, so a class list created once can be reused across both tools.
The timer works independently because timing an activity should not depend on student names. That separation keeps the tools easy to understand: roster-based tools share roster data, and the timer only stores timer settings.
Works in Your Browser
Class lists, picked history, group settings, and timer preferences are stored in the current browser using local storage. The tools do not require a backend database or teacher account for normal use. If you clear browser data, use private browsing, switch devices, or open a different browser, saved information may not be available.
This local-first approach is helpful for quick classroom use, but teachers should still avoid entering sensitive information that is not needed for the activity. First names, nicknames, or classroom display names are usually enough.
Classroom Use Cases
Random questioning: Use the picker to invite students into review questions without relying on raised hands.
Group activities: Generate balanced groups for discussion, lab work, station rotation, or short projects.
Presentation order: Pick students or teams to present in a fair, visible order.
Timed practice: Run a countdown for writing, reading, quizzes, warm-ups, or cleanup routines.
Class transitions: Display a timer while students move between activities or prepare materials.
Participation checks: Use classroom mode and group options to spread opportunities across the room.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PickTools.net free?
Yes. The core classroom tools are free to use in your browser.
Do I need to create an account?
No. You can open a tool and start using it without registration or student accounts.
Are student names uploaded?
For normal tool use, rosters are saved in the current browser's local storage rather than a backend classroom database.
Can I use it on a classroom projector?
Yes. The picker, group generator, and timer all include fullscreen views that are useful for projectors, smartboards, and shared classroom screens.
Do the picker and group generator share the same class list?
Yes. A saved roster can be used by both the Random Student Picker and the Random Group Generator.
Does the classroom timer work on mobile devices?
Yes. The timer is responsive and can be used on phones, tablets, laptops, and larger classroom displays.