Akindi: Multiple-choice exam processing service
An easier way to grade multiple choice exams
What is Akindi?
Akindi is a web-based assessment system that automates the creation and grading of multiple-choice exams. As an instructor, you can grade these exams using any sheet of paper and any scanner, putting you in control of the process. Alternatively, you can use Akindi Online to conduct assessments online - no paper or scanning required!
Akindi is the new central tool for campus and replacing the legacy Scantron exam processing service. Where you once used Scantron for multiple choice assessments, you can now use Akindi!
Two great options to choose from
Akindi Online
Instructors have the option to conduct assessments online using the Akindi Online feature. Instructors can log in to create the assessment, and choose if and how test questions are displayed. Instructors can choose from Display Full PDF, One question at a time, or elect not to upload test questions.
Complete the set up process by uploading test questions, creating the answer key and setting additional features like scheduling the online assessment, providing extra time to students if needed, and emailing the students their online assessment. This last feature provides each students with a unique, secure email link that they'll use to access and complete the online assessment and bubble sheet.
Then monitor student progress, analyze and export the results.
Paper-based assessments
After you've created and named a new test or exam, you're ready to download Akindi's Bubble Sheet template. Customize the template to suit your needs and print as many copies as you need for your students (plus one for your answer sheet!).
Fill out the correct answers on your answer sheet, entering '0000' as the student ID to indicate it's the answer key. Now batch scan completed answer sheets into one file.
During the scanning process, Akindi will call out exceptions that need to be resolved, such as if student information is missing or mis-filled, if more responses than the answer contains are bubbled in, or if a page wasn't able to be graded.
Now just wait for the results and analytics to appear.
A better experience
Convenience
Grade exams when you need to, from any scanner or copier.
Save time
No more scanning appointments and no commuting across campus to scan answer sheets.
Excellent support
Expert advice and answers directly from the Akindi Team.
LEARN integration
Securely share class rosters and grades between applications.
Actionable data
View results and identify gaps in understanding.
Immediate feedback
Provide students with corrected sheets to show them where they can improve.
Get started!
Training resources
- Getting Started with LEARN (Brightspace) Guide (Akindi web page)
- Upcoming Training Webinars through Akindi
- Sign-up for individual training sessions with Christa from Akindi via https://calendly.com/christa-akindi/akindi-office-hours?month=2022-09
If you still have questions afterwards, please contact the IST Service Desk.
Accessing Akindi
- Ensure your course has been created in LEARN
- Integrate Akindi with your course on LEARN
- Launch Akindi!
New features
Akindi's Student Portal
Now available
Waterloo instructors now have access to Akindi's Student Portal, which allows students to access their Akindi assessments from the 'Launch Akindi' link in the LEARN course shell.
Learn more
Benefits of Akindi's Student Portal
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Make assessments even more secure. We will authenticate users through the D2L course shell and ensure that a link cannot be opened from any other location.
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Improve the student's test-taking experience. Students will see all of their assessments in a single location and ensure they never lose an assessment email-link.
Automatic question importing
Your time is valuable, so Akindi allows you to upload your existing word document and import your test questions in seconds. Akindi will automatically identify questions and display questions one at a time to students.
New and improved auto-submission
Akindi's autosubmission is even more reliable! This improvement means student responses will be captured even if their browser crashes or internet disconnects.
Online & Hybrid
Akindi Online allows you to quickly and easily setup assessments, adjust time limits for students with accommodations and monitor student’s progress throughout the assessment.
Akindi Online simplifies hybrid testing by allowing you to have some students write the assessment in-person, while others write online.
Kuder-Richardson Formula 20 (KR-20)
Continuing our commitment to providing instructors with actionable data and insights, we’ve introduced the Kuder-Richardson Formula 20 (KR-20) to Akindi results.
KR-20 provides a measure of internal consistency for an assessment with dichotomous choices.
Set time limits for online assessments
When creating your online assessment, set a time limit for the assessment. The students will have to complete the assessment within the allotted time.
Customize online assessments for select students
To accommodate students that require different assessment time limits or deadlines, customize assessments for select students. From the 'Class Roster' tab, select the desired student(s), click the 'Actions' dropdown and select 'Email Students Online Assessment'.
You can customize the time limit, the activation date, and deadline for those student(s).
Akindi Online
Instructors now have the option to email an Akindi bubble sheet to their class roster, no printing or scanning required! Each student receives a unique, secure email link that they'll use to access and complete the Akindi bubble sheet.
Instructors are required to post or email the assessment questions to students separately.
Note: A future enhancement will allow instructors to also upload and share assessment questions via email.
Alpha-sorting corrected test sheets
When instructors click "Download Corrected Test Sheets", Akindi will now provide the options to:
- Download a single PDF containing all the test sheets or a separate PDF for each test sheet
- Show or hide the correct answers
- Sort by Student ID, first name, or last name
Student Report feature
A 'Report' column has been added to the 'Responses' tab when viewing the results, which will allow instructors to pull up an individualized student report that features their grade and corrected test sheet.
W Store printing and scanning services
While Akindi allows users to print and scan their assessment bubble sheets from any printer or scanner, instructors may prefer to use the printing and scanning services provided by W Print.
Visit the W Print web page and select the Print Services for Faculty & Staff tab for more information, https://wstore.uwaterloo.ca/wprint.
Notes
- A Unit4 account number and delivery address must be emailed to kaertel@uwaterloo.ca or added to the Additional comments for the Print Shop box (in Akindi) before assessments will be printed. We are working to have these fields added to the print shop submission page.
- If W Print did not print your assessments, but you would like them to scan the completed assessments, please ensure you are able to provide a Unit4 account number. Invoicing must be arranged before assessments will be scanned.
- Please submit requests 3-4 days in advance, when possible.
Support
Questions about how to use Akindi, assessment creation, work flows
Questions about integrating Akindi with LEARN, how assessment information is transferred into LEARN
Questions about physical printing/scanning equipment, additional support
Akindi underwent an Information Risk Assessment and penetration test, and the tool was approved for use by the University Privacy Officer and Director, Information Security Services.
