New Akindi Feature: Online grading of handwritten questions
The latest Akindi update expands the paper exam functionality. In addition to the standalone multiple-choice (bubble response) assessments, instructors can now use Akindi to:
- Create the assessment, including both question and response sheets.
- Include multiple choice and handwritten response questions (fill in the blank, short answer, long answer, images, etc.)
- Order stapled packets with combined question and and response sheets from Duplicating and Printing Services (DPS).
- Digitally grade scans of handwritten answers and provide feedback.
Accessing new features
Use the new combined assessment type by selecting the “Start with questions” option when creating an assessment.
To use Akindi as before (for multiple choice only assessments), select the “Start with answer key” option instead.
Scanning handwritten assessments
Only assessment pages with student responses (bubble sheets and handwritten answers) are scanned.
Prior to returning sheets to Duplicating and Printing Services (DPS) for scanning, pages containing only multiple choice questions must be separated and removed.
Separating the assessment for scanning can be completed by the students as they submit their assessment, or by the teaching team after collecting the completed assessments:
- Split each assessment into two separate piles:
- Multiple choice question pages – not scanned, retained by the instructor.
- Written answer and bubble sheet pages – to be scanned, returned to DPS (105 Bond St.)
- Ensure no staples are attached to the pages that will be scanned.
Booklets that include either multiple choice question pages or staples will not be eligible to be scanned.
Grading handwritten responses online
If your assessment included written answer questions, Akindi will add a Grading tab in your assessment. With it, you can view, score, and give feedback to handwritten answers.
Detailed instructions are provided at Akindi's guide to grade written answer questions (external link) .
Detailed tutorials
Learn more about using the new features at our updated Akindi Instructor Guide, or at Akindi’s Written answer grading Release Notes (external link) .
Or, please join us at our workshop co-hosted by Akindi: Modern Bubble Sheet Grading with Akindi, on October 01, 2026 (11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. ET).