# Getting Started with Akindi

## What Is Akindi?

<div id="bkmrk-akindi-is-a-paper%E2%80%91ba">Akindi is a paper‑based assessment platform that automates the grading of multiple‑choice exams using scannable answer sheets. It integrates directly with Canvas, allowing instructors to create exams, process completed answer sheets, review results, and sync grades back to the Canvas Gradebook.</div><div id="bkmrk-at-a%E2%80%91state%2C-akindi-i">At A‑State, Akindi is supported by the Office of Accreditation &amp; Assessment and replaces the paper exam scanning services previously provided by the Testing Center.</div><div id="bkmrk-akindi-is-well%E2%80%91suite">Akindi is well‑suited for in‑person exams, large sections, and situations where paper testing is preferred, and it serves as a modern replacement for traditional Scantron workflows.</div><div id="bkmrk--0">---

</div>## When Should I Use Akindi?

<div id="bkmrk-akindi-is-a-good-cho">Akindi is a good choice when you want to:</div>- Administer an in‑person, paper‑based exam
- Efficiently grade multiple‑choice or select‑all‑that‑apply questions
- Use plain paper instead of pre‑printed Scantron forms
- Automatically sync grades with Canvas after grading

<div id="bkmrk-akindi-is-not-intend">Akindi is not intended for essay‑only exams or fully handwritten responses, though hand‑graded marks can be added after scanning.</div><div id="bkmrk--1">---

</div>## How Akindi Works 

<div id="bkmrk-most-instructors-use">Most instructors use Akindi in four stages:</div>1. **Launch Akindi** from Canvas to sync your course and roster
2. Create an assessment and print answer sheets
3. Scan and upload completed answer sheets for automated grading
4. Review results and send grades to the Canvas Gradebook

<div id="bkmrk-each-of-these-stages">Each of these stages is covered in detail in the pages that follow in this book.</div><div id="bkmrk--2">---

</div>## Accessing Akindi Through Canvas

<div id="bkmrk-akindi-is-accessed-d">Akindi is accessed directly from your Canvas course using the **Launch Akindi** link in the course navigation menu.</div><div id="bkmrk-to-begin-using-akind">To begin using Akindi in a course:</div>- Open the Canvas course where you plan to use Akindi
- Ensure **Launch Akindi** is visible in the course navigation
- Select **Launch Akindi** to open Akindi in a new browser tab

<div id="bkmrk-the-first-time-you-l">The first time you launch Akindi from a course, it automatically:</div>- Creates the course in Akindi
- Syncs your Canvas roster (including sections and student IDs)

<div id="bkmrk-no-separate-akindi-l">No separate Akindi login is required when launching through Canvas.</div><div id="bkmrk--3"></div><p class="callout success"><span lang="en-us">Launch Akindi from Canvas at the beginning of the term—even if you are not ready to create an exam yet—to ensure your course and roster are synchronized.</span></p>

<p class="callout info"><span lang="en-us">Akindi pulls enrollment data from Canvas at launch. If students are added later, re‑launch Akindi from Canvas to refresh the roster before creating or printing exams.</span></p>

<p class="callout warning"><span lang="en-us">If you do not see </span>**<span lang="en-us">Launch Akindi</span>**<span lang="en-us"> in your course navigation, it must be enabled in the Canvas course settings.</span></p>

### Step‑by‑Step Instructions (External Resources)

<div id="bkmrk-detailed-step%E2%80%91by%E2%80%91ste">Detailed step‑by‑step instructions are maintained by the platform providers:</div>- Akindi Help Center: [Getting Started with Akindi through Canvas](https://help.akindi.com/en/articles/979191-getting-started-with-akindi-through-canvas)
    - Learn how to enable the **Launch Akindi** link in your Canvas course navigation.

- Canvas Community: [How do I manage course navigation links?](https://community.instructure.com/en/kb/articles/660741-how-do-i-manage-course-navigation-links)
    - General Canvas instructions for enabling and arranging course navigation items.

<div id="bkmrk--6">---

</div>## What Akindi Handles Automatically

<div id="bkmrk-once-launched-throug">Once launched through Canvas, Akindi automatically manages several behind‑the‑scenes tasks:</div>- Course creation and association with Canvas
- Student roster synchronization
- Unique answer sheet identifiers for grading
- Grade passback to the Canvas Gradebook (when initiated by the instructor)

<div id="bkmrk-this-automation-redu">This automation reduces manual setup and minimizes grading errors.</div><p class="callout warning"><span lang="en-us">Creating assessments before your Canvas roster is finalized can result in missing students on printed answer sheets. If enrollment is still changing, wait to print answer sheets or re‑launch Akindi before printing.</span></p>

<div id="bkmrk--7">---

</div>## What This Book Covers

<div id="bkmrk-this-akindi-knowledg">This Akindi Knowledge Base book provides task‑focused guidance for faculty. It explains what you need to do and what to watch for.</div><div id="bkmrk--8"></div><div id="bkmrk-the-remaining-pages-">The remaining pages cover:</div>- Creating an Exam and Printing Answer Sheets 
    - Setting up assessments and preparing forms for students

- Scanning and Uploading Answer Sheets 
    - Recommended scanning workflows and common pitfalls

- Results, Reports, and Canvas Grade Sync 
    - Reviewing scores, resolving issues, and sending grades to Canvas

<div id="bkmrk-for-advanced-feature">For advanced features or detailed interface instructions, links to Akindi’s official Help Center are provided throughout this book.</div><div id="bkmrk--9">---

</div>## Need Help?

<div id="bkmrk-for-questions-about-">For questions about using Akindi at A‑State—including exam setup, scanning workflows, and assessment results—contact the Office of Accreditation &amp; Assessment.</div><div id="bkmrk--10"></div><div id="bkmrk-for-system%E2%80%91level-iss">For system‑level issues or advanced troubleshooting beyond this guide, consult Akindi’s official Help Center, which provides up‑to‑date documentation and live support options.</div>