Kami Handbook

Table of Contents

• Getting Started with Kami
• Core Features
• Teacher Tools
• Student Tools
• Integration with Learning Management Systems
• Remote Learning Support
• Accessibility Features
• Best Practices
• Troubleshooting
• FAQ

Getting Started with Kami

To begin using Kami, you'll need to create an account or sign in through your learning management system (LMS). Kami supports single sign-on (SSO) through Google, Microsoft, Clever, and ClassLink, making it easy to get started if your school already uses these platforms.

Account Setup

1. Visit kami.app or access Kami through your LMS
2. Choose "Sign Up" if you don't have an account
3. Select your role (Teacher or Student)
4. Complete the registration process
5. Explore the tutorial that appears upon first login

Core Features

Kami's suite of annotation and editing tools transforms static documents into interactive learning materials. The following features are available in the standard Kami package:

New Features in Version 2.0

Split and Merge Tool

The new Split and Merge tool allows users to divide documents into separate pages or combine multiple documents into one. This feature is particularly useful for teachers who want to customize existing worksheets or create comprehensive study materials from multiple sources.

Real-Time Collaboration Improvements

Enhanced collaboration features now support simultaneous editing by up to 40 users. Color-coded cursors and user indicators make it easy to see who's working on which part of the document.

Better Video Integration

Version 2.0 improves how video comments are embedded and played back, with optimized compression to reduce loading times and storage requirements.

Enhanced Accessibility

Expanded compatibility with screen readers and improved keyboard navigation options ensure Kami meets more accessibility standards.

Offline Mode

The new offline mode allows users to continue working on documents even without an internet connection. Changes sync automatically when connectivity is restored.

Teacher Tools

Kami provides specialized features designed to support teaching workflows, from assignment creation to grading and feedback.

Assignment Creation

Teachers can transform static PDFs into interactive assignments by adding instructions, rubrics, and example responses. The template feature allows you to create reusable assignment formats that maintain consistency across your teaching materials.

Grading Tools

Kami's grading features include:

• Customizable grading rubrics
• Inline commenting for targeted feedback
• Audio and video feedback for more personalized responses
• Stamps for common corrections and comments
• Score calculation and export to gradebooks

Class Management

Teachers can organize students into classes, view assignment statuses, and track student progress. The dashboard provides an overview of pending submissions, completed work, and engagement metrics.

Student Tools

Student-specific tools in Kami help learners engage with materials, complete assignments, and organize their work.

Assignment Completion

Students can access assignments directly from their LMS and use Kami's annotation tools to complete their work. All changes are automatically saved, eliminating concerns about lost work.

Digital Portfolio

The digital portfolio feature allows students to create organized collections of their work across classes and subjects. Portfolios can be exported and shared as evidence of learning.

Collaboration Options

Students can work together on documents when enabled by teachers, supporting peer review and collaborative learning activities.

Study Mode

Study mode provides focus-friendly viewing options, including adjustable backgrounds and text-to-speech for reviewing materials and preparing for assessments.

Integration with Learning Management Systems

Kami integrates seamlessly with popular LMS platforms, allowing for a smoother workflow for both teachers and students.

Supported Platforms

• Google Classroom
• Schoology
• Canvas
• Microsoft Teams (Education)
• Blackboard
• Moodle

Integration Benefits

When integrated with your LMS, Kami allows for:

• One-click assignment distribution
• Automatic grade sync
• Seamless student enrollment
• Unified calendar view of assignments
• Syncing of assignment settings and rubrics

Remote Learning Support

Kami has developed features specifically to support remote and hybrid learning models, which have become increasingly important in educational settings.

Screen Share Feature

The screen share feature allows teachers to display Kami documents during live teaching sessions, making it easy to model completion strategies and provide real-time demonstrations.

Virtual Classroom Integration

Kami integrates with video conferencing platforms like Google Meet and Zoom, allowing teachers to facilitate collaboration even when students are working from different locations.

Recording Feature

Teachers can record their screen while completing a Kami document, creating tutorial videos that students can watch at their own pacea valuable resource for asynchronous learning.

Asynchronous Collaboration

Kami's comment and edit tracking features support asynchronous collaboration, allowing students to participate in group projects according to their schedules.

Accessibility Features

Kami is committed to making digital content accessible to all learners, including those with disabilities or learning differences.

Text-to-Speech

The text-to-speech function reads document content aloud, with adjustable speed, voice, and highlighting options to support students with reading difficulties or visual impairments.

Color Adjustments

Users can customize document appearance by adjusting background colors and text contrast to reduce eye strain or accommodate visual processing needs.

Keyboard Navigation

All Kami features can be accessed through keyboard shortcuts, supporting users who cannot use or prefer not to use pointing devices.

Screen Reader Support

Version 2.0 includes improved compatibility with popular screen readers, ensuring visually impaired users can access and interact with content effectively.

Best Practices

Implementing these best practices will help you maximize Kami's potential in your educational setting.

For Teachers

• Create Kami-specific assignments rather than simply digitizing paper worksheets
• Use audio and video feedback to build personal connections with students
• Establish clear guidelines for digital collaboration etiquette
• Model Kami usage during live instruction to build student confidence
• Start with basic annotation tools before introducing advanced features

For Students

• Organize Kami assignments in folders by subject or unit
• Use text-to-speech to review your own writing before submission
• Take advantage of voice comments if typing is challenging
• Review teacher feedback carefully and use the playback feature to understand corrections
• Bookmark frequently used tools in your Kami toolbar

For Administrators

• Provide consistent professional development on Kami usage
• Create school-wide templates for common document types
• Establish accessibility guidelines for digital content
• Implement a Kami champion program to support peer learning
• Integrate Kami with existing technology infrastructure for seamless operations

Troubleshooting

This section addresses common issues users may encounter when working with Kami.

For additional support, visit kami.app/help or contact our support team directly through the help menu in Kami.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What file types does Kami support?

A: Kami supports PDF, DOC, DOCX, PPT, PPTX, JPG, PNG, GIF, and various image file formats. The August 2020 update also added improved support for web-based documents and Google Slides.

Q: Is there a limit to the number of documents I can store in Kami?

A: Document storage limits depend on your subscription plan. Free accounts have a limited storage allowance, while school license plans typically offer unlimited storage for educational documents.

Q: Can Kami be used without internet access?

A: Version 2.0 introduced an offline mode that allows you to continue working on documents without internet. Changes will automatically sync when connectivity is restored.

Q: How does Kami handle student privacy?

A: Kami is FERPA and GDPR compliant, adhering to strict privacy standards. Student data is encrypted and never used for advertising purposes. Schools have control over data retention policies.

Q: Can parents access Kami?

A: Parents can view student work through their child's account if given access credentials. Some schools also have parent portal integrations that display Kami assignments.

Q: What browsers does Kami work with?

A: Kami works best with Chrome, but also supports Firefox, Safari, and Edge. For the best experience, especially with newer features, we recommend using the most recent version of Chrome.