Getting Started with KINANA

This comprehensive guide will walk you through setting up and configuring your KINANA platform from initial access to your first project.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure you have:

• A KINANA account with appropriate access permissions
• Supported web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge - latest versions)
• Internet connection for cloud-based features
• For Brokkly: One or more supported robotics kits (optional for initial setup)

Step 1: Accessing KINANA

First-Time Login

1. Navigate to your KINANA platform URL
2. Enter your provided username and password
3. Complete any required first-time setup steps
4. Verify your email address if prompted

Account Setup

Profile Configuration

• Add your display name and profile information
• Set your preferences and notification settings
• Configure your timezone and language preferences

Security Settings

• Set up two-factor authentication (recommended)
• Review and update your password if needed
• Configure session timeout preferences

Step 2: Understanding the Platform Interface

Main Navigation

The KINANA platform is organized into four main sections:

Libraries
Access and manage your document collections. Browse, search, upload, and organize PDF files, EPUB books, Office documents, and other educational materials.

Videos
View, upload, and manage video content. Link to external video sources or host content directly on the platform.

Podcasts
Listen to audio content, upload MP3 files, or link to streaming audio sources for educational podcasts and lectures.

Brokkly
Access the visual coding platform for programming robotics kits and working with interactive STEM projects.

Dashboard Overview

Your dashboard provides quick access to:

• Recent content and projects
• Upcoming activities and assignments (if applicable)
• Quick links to frequently used features
• Notifications and updates

Step 3: Exploring Content

Browsing Libraries

1. Click on Libraries from the main navigation
2. Browse available document collections
3. Use search and filters to find specific content
4. Click any document to view or download

Watching Videos

1. Navigate to the Videos section
2. Browse video categories and collections
3. Click any video to begin playback
4. Use playback controls for speed, quality, and subtitles

Listening to Podcasts

1. Access the Podcasts section
2. Browse available audio content
3. Stream directly or download for offline listening
4. Subscribe to podcast series (if available)

Step 4: Getting Started with Brokkly

Accessing Brokkly

1. Click on Brokkly from the main navigation
2. Review the welcome screen and tutorials
3. Familiarize yourself with the visual coding interface

Understanding the Interface

Code Blocks Panel
Drag-and-drop programming blocks organized by category (Control, Sensors, Motors, Logic, etc.)

Workspace Canvas
The main area where you assemble your visual code by connecting blocks together

Hardware Connection Panel
Connect and configure your robotics kits (Maker, RC Car, Discovery V3, Dualsense)

Activities Library
Pre-built projects and lessons to help you learn progressively

Your First Brokkly Project

1. Click New Project or select a starter activity from the library
2. Give your project a descriptive name
3. Choose your hardware kit type (if applicable)
4. Start building by dragging blocks onto the canvas
5. Connect blocks together to create your program logic
6. Test your code using the simulator or connected hardware

Step 5: Working with Robotics Kits

Connecting Your Kit

Hardware Setup

1. Ensure your robotics kit is powered on
2. Connect to your computer via USB or Bluetooth (kit-dependent)
3. Open Brokkly and select Connect Hardware
4. Choose your kit type from the list
5. Follow on-screen connection instructions
6. Wait for connection confirmation

Testing Your Connection
Run a simple test program to verify your hardware is responding correctly.

Programming Your Kit

1. Select appropriate code blocks for your hardware
2. Build your program logic on the canvas
3. Click Upload to Device or Run to execute
4. Observe your kit's behavior
5. Iterate and refine your code as needed

Step 6: Exploring the Activities Library

What are Activities?

Activities are pre-built coding projects and lessons designed to teach programming concepts and hardware interaction progressively.

Using Activities

1. Navigate to Activities within Brokkly
2. Browse by difficulty level, kit type, or learning objective
3. Select an activity to view details and requirements
4. Click Start Activity to load it into your workspace
5. Follow the included instructions and challenges
6. Modify and experiment with the provided code

Activity Categories

• Beginner - Basic concepts and simple programs
• Intermediate - Multi-step projects and sensor integration
• Advanced - Complex robotics behaviors and algorithms
• Challenges - Open-ended problems to solve creatively

Step 7: Customizing Your Experience

User Preferences

Access your settings to customize:

• Interface theme (light/dark mode)
• Default view preferences for each section
• Notification settings
• Accessibility options

Workspace Organization

• Create folders to organize your projects
• Use tags and labels for easy searching
• Set favorites for quick access to frequent content
• Archive completed projects

Step 8: Getting Help

Documentation

Access comprehensive documentation through:

• The main documentation navigation menu
• Context-sensitive help within each platform section
• Knowledge Base for troubleshooting

Support Resources

• Technical Documentation - API references, architecture details
• User Guides - Detailed feature explanations
• Troubleshooting - Common issues and solutions
• Contact Support - Direct assistance when needed

Next Steps

Now that you're set up, explore these resources:

• Quick Start Guide - Fast-track guide for immediate productivity
• User Guide - Detailed feature documentation
• Brokkly Documentation - Deep dive into visual coding
• Activities Library - Browse available coding projects

Tips for Success

Start Simple
Begin with basic features and gradually explore advanced capabilities as you become comfortable.

Use Activities
The Activities Library in Brokkly provides guided learning experiences perfect for getting started.

Experiment
Don't be afraid to try different approaches - you can't break anything!

Connect Your Kit
If you have robotics hardware, connecting it early makes learning more tangible and engaging.

Explore Documentation
Our comprehensive docs cover everything from basics to advanced topics.

Ready to begin? Jump to the Quick Start Guide for a condensed overview, or start exploring the platform!

Need Help? Visit our Knowledge Base or contact support through the help menu.