Convenient and Insightful bubble sheets
What do you like best?
The Akindi software is built into Canvas. I can open Akindi, look at grades, metrics, etc. and export them to Canvas. A nice feature is that I can take my exams directly to the copier, enter the akindi-specific email address that has been set up for me, and send the grades straight to Akindi from the copier. Reviewing bubbles is easy too. If akindi is confused about the reponse a student gave or it can't read the bubble, it will cut a little image of the response out, show you the picture, and ask for your clarification (I guess there are a few things that machines can't do yet!). Super easy. The analytics are clear and informative. Tech support is very responsive as well.
What do you dislike?
I have had a few issues related to Akindi sending my grades to the wrong course. This happens when I email the grades from our departmental copier directly to Akindi. It has gotten resolved quickly and I could avoid the issue enitrely if I scanned the bubble sheets to a pdf, emailed them to myself, downloaded the pdf, and then uploaded them directly to the right place in Akindi.
Recommendations to others considering the product:
Wonderful technology - especially institutions already using Canvas. A couple of things yet to iron out, but I have no doubt that it will happen. I expect this will become the industry standard for bubble sheet scoring in academia.
What problems are you solving with the product? What benefits have you realized?
It saves time grading exams. My exams are about 40% multiple choice, and my classes aren't large. It is hardly worth purchasing scantrons, taking them to a campus testing center, waiting for the results, etc. So, I was grading multiple choice by hand. But Akindi scores things immediately and I can just print out the bubble sheets. Akindi will also pre-fill student names and IDs (if you choose) so that you know the grades will end up in the right spot.
