Kindergarten to College: How AI and a Wheel of Names Are Reshaping Learning

Published: September 4, 2025

Image of AI neural network.

AI in Education: Personalization and Precision

Education is evolving across all levels with different technology available today, from kindergarten classrooms to universities. Chalkboards are giving way to screens, static lesson plans to adaptive technology, and traditional teaching methods are being reimagined through gamification and AI.

  • Adaptive learning with AI: AI tools can personalize learning by adjusting content to a student's pace. For example, a reading app can slow down for one child while fast-tracking another, or a math platform can provide extra practice for topics a student struggles with. Studies show that AI personalization improves engagement and academic outcomes in diverse learning environments (Baillifard et al., 2023).
  • Fairness and engagement with the wheel of names: A wheel of names is a random name picker where you can enter names and/or images onto a wheel. The wheel is spun and selects one entry at random. Each entry can also include hidden information, like an activity, question, or prompt that appears only when the wheel lands on that choice.
  • Motivation through surprise: Humans respond to unpredictability. Gamified learning experiences, like spinning a wheel to reveal tasks or topics, increase student motivation and engagement compared to traditional methods (Ibisu, 2024).
An example of a wheel of names spinner.

Figure 1. Example of a Wheel of Names spinner.

The Classic Wheel of Names Spinner: Bringing Surprise Into Structure

  • Engaging low-tech tool: Teachers have used virtual wheel spinners for years to make learning feel like a game. Spin the wheel, and the class is instantly engaged, waiting to see who presents first, what topic is picked, or which problem they’ll solve together.
  • Shared excitement: The unpredictability of the wheel creates anticipation and motivation among students. Studies suggest that combining AI personalization with gamification significantly improves participation and learning outcomes (Ibisu, 2024).
  • Structured spontaneity: Mixing AI’s precision with the spinner’s randomness creates a learning environment that is both structured and playful. Tools like a wheel of names by Random Wheel Spin make these spinners accessible for digital and hybrid classrooms.

Random Wheel Spin: Beyond the Spin

  • Two-step learning experience: Random Wheel Spin goes beyond selecting “what” by allowing educators to hide activities, prompts, questions, or multimedia under each entry. The wheel doesn’t just pick “Student A” or “Topic B”—it reveals additional content for a richer learning moment.
  • Personalized and playful: AI can identify student needs (e.g., geometry practice), and the wheel delivers the task in a gamified way. This combination keeps lessons both personalized and engaging. Research shows adaptive gamified tools increase motivation and improve accuracy in assessments (Anno et al., 2024).
  • Focus and engagement: Structure wrapped in surprise keeps students engaged because they can’t predict what’s coming next, while also staying focused as the wheel connects directly to lesson material.

Supporting Different Learners

What makes the wheel especially powerful is its inclusivity.

  • Visual learners: teachers can load images into the reveals, turning a simple spin into a flashcard moment.
  • Auditory learners: the wheel can “speak” the result and hidden activity or action, offering accessibility for students who process best by hearing.
  • Neurodiverse students: the spinner can be a calming, focusing presence. For example, one ready-made wheel is a “Shark Facts” wheel for autistic learners who love marine life. Each spin shared a hidden shark fact, making science lessons both soothing and exciting.
Example of the Shark Facts Wheel. Great for neurodiverse users with a special interest.

Figure 2. Example of the Shark Facts Wheel. The hidden information contains facts about each shark species. This also makes for a great 'special interest' wheel.

References

  1. Baillifard, A., et al. (2023). Implementing Learning Principles with a Personal AI Tutor. https://arxiv.org/abs/2309.13060
  2. Ibisu, A.E. (2024). Integrating Artificial Intelligence with Gamification Techniques to Enhance Student Motivation and Engagement. https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-031-81962-9_58
  3. Anno, G.A., et al. (2024). Exploring the impact of adaptive gamified assessment on learners. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10639-024-12708-w
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