Assign2 Pilot Project for Multiple-Choice Exam Processing

About Assign2
Pilot Project Details
Assign2 Quick Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Participate in the Pilot

TLS is leading a pilot project during the 2025–26 academic year to explore a potential replacement for Scantron in processing paper-based multiple-choice assessments.

Scantron technology is approaching end of life at Carleton, with its proprietary scanners and software no longer sustainable to maintain or replace. This pilot is an opportunity to test an alternative solution, Assign2, and ensure any transition is guided by instructor needs and feedback.

Scantron services will still be available throughout the academic year. We’ll continue to share updates and next steps with all Scantron users and stakeholders as the pilot progresses.

About Assign2

Assign2 is already being used at Carleton as a grading workflow tool to support grading paper-based and computer programming assessments. It also has the ability to process multiple-choice bubble sheet assessments.

A small group of instructors used the multiple-choice functionality last year with promising results.
Bubble sheets are printed and scanned using existing multi-function printers on campus (no specialized hardware required).
Results can be quickly uploaded, graded and analyzed within Assign2.

For more details on how Assign2 bubble sheets work, please see the Assign2 documentation.

Pilot Project Details

A limited number of instructors will be selected to participate in the pilot. Participants will receive:

Guidance and support from TLS in building, printing, scanning and grading multiple choice assessments.
Opportunities to provide direct feedback, shaping the decision on whether Assign2 can replace Scantron across campus.

Criteria for participation:

Teaching at least one course in fall 2025 or winter 2026.
Administering at least one assessment with fewer than 100 multiple-choice questions (single correct answer format only).
Assessments must be for individual students only (no group assessments).
Willingness to try the Assign2 bubble sheet workflow and provide constructive feedback.

If you’d like to participate in the winter 2026 pilot, please fill out the form below.

To learn more about the project, please contact us at tlssupport@cunet.carleton.ca.

Assign2 Quick Guide

If you’re participating in the pilot project, please review this Quick Guide for some detailed instructions to help you get set up.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Scantron?: Scantron is the system currently used at Carleton to process paper-based multiple-choice exams. Students fill in answers on pre-printed, standardized bubble sheets, which are then scanned and graded by a specialized Scantron machine operated by TLS staff.

What is Assign2?: Assign2 is a grading workflow tool currently used at Carleton to help manage and support grading paper-based and computer programming assessments. It also has functionality for processing multiple-choice bubble sheet exams.

Why is TLS piloting a potential replacement for Scantron?: Scantron technology is nearing end of life at Carleton. The proprietary scanners and software are increasingly difficult and costly to maintain. TLS is testing Assign2 to see if it can serve as a sustainable replacement for multiple-choice paper-based exam processing at Carleton.

Why was Assign2 selected for the pilot?

Assign2 includes workflows for teams to grade nearly all paper-based and, new for the fall term, beta functionality for computer programming assessments in addition to multiple-choice bubble sheet-based assessments.

Assign2 does not require any specialized hardware or software to create, print, scan or assess multiple-choice exams – it uses existing multi-function printers found on campus.

Where can I learn more about how Assign2 bubble sheets work?: Full documentation is available here.

If Scantron is replaced, will instructors be able to scan their own multiple-choice assessments?: Yes, instructors will be able to scan their own assessments using their departmental/school multifunction devices.

What are multifunction devices?: These devices combine a printer, photocopier and scanner into one device. They are located across campus and in many academic units.

If Scantron is replaced, will instructors be required to scan their own assessments? Or will the university offer a service to scan assessments?: We have not yet determined the service offering for a potential Scantron replacement. The pilot will help inform decision making. As mentioned, one advantage of using a platform like Assign2 is that any multifunction device can act as a scanner – this means that anyone or any department could scan answer sheets.

How many instructors will be accepted into the pilot?: Participation is limited to ensure TLS can provide individualized support. Final selection will be made after reviewing applications.

What happens if I’m not part of the pilot?: Scantron services will remain available during the 2025–26 academic year. All instructors will be updated on the outcomes of the pilot and next steps.

Will Assign2 completely replace Scantron after the pilot?: To be determined. The purpose of the pilot is to evaluate whether Assign2 meets the needs of instructors. Feedback from participants will guide any future transition.

When will a decision be made on replacing Scantron?: After the conclusion of the fall 2025 and winter 2026 terms and a review of the feedback from pilot project participants.

How can I learn more about the project?: If you have additional questions or concerns, please reach out to us at tlssupport@cunet.carleton.ca and a member of our team will respond to your questions.

Participate in the Pilot

If you’d like to participate in the Assign2 pilot during the winter 2026 term, please fill out the form below. Complete one application form per course that you would like to use Assign2.

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