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Getting Started with Akindi

What Is Akindi?

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.
At A‑State, Akindi is supported by the Office of Accreditation & Assessment and replaces the paper exam scanning services previously provided by the Testing Center.
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.

When Should I Use Akindi?

Akindi is a good choice when you want to:
  • 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
Akindi is not intended for essay‑only exams or fully handwritten responses, though hand‑graded marks can be added after scanning.

How Akindi Works 

Most instructors use Akindi in four stages:
  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
Each of these stages is covered in detail in the pages that follow in this book.

Accessing Akindi Through Canvas

Akindi is accessed directly from your Canvas course using the Launch Akindi link in the course navigation menu.
To begin using Akindi in a course:
  • 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
The first time you launch Akindi from a course, it automatically:
  • Creates the course in Akindi
  • Syncs your Canvas roster (including sections and student IDs)
No separate Akindi login is required when launching through Canvas.

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.

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.

If you do not see Launch Akindi in your course navigation, it must be enabled in the Canvas course settings.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions (External Resources)

Detailed step‑by‑step instructions are maintained by the platform providers:

What Akindi Handles Automatically

Once launched through Canvas, Akindi automatically manages several behind‑the‑scenes tasks:
  • 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)
This automation reduces manual setup and minimizes grading errors.

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.

What This Book Covers

This Akindi Knowledge Base book provides task‑focused guidance for faculty. It explains what you need to do and what to watch for.
The remaining pages cover:
  • 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
For advanced features or detailed interface instructions, links to Akindi’s official Help Center are provided throughout this book.

Need Help?

For questions about using Akindi at A‑State—including exam setup, scanning workflows, and assessment results—contact the Office of Accreditation & Assessment.
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.

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