You may consider ways that students can retain and reflect content in readings. One way is facilitate annotation of readings, which have become available through Northwestern’s integration of Perusall and Hypothe.sis — social reading annotation tools — with Canvas.
Why consider annotation?
- In a recent survey, students said they desire more community in remote learning environments
- In a recent faculty meeting, instructors say they recognize students often don’t retain information presented in readings
What are Perusall and Hypothes.is?
- Annotation platforms that students can use free in Canvas.
- Show evidence of student reading and comprehension.
- Interactivity builds community in a remote learning environment.
- Instructor can post a prompt, requiring students to address specific components of the reading, reflection of the reading overall, etc.
- Students can answer the prompt, ask their own question, answer each other’s questions, provide insight tied to the reading overall, or provide insight on a specific passage.
| Hypothes.is | Perusall | |
|---|---|---|
| Advantages | Annotates PDF (must be optimized to read text), web article, webpage. Can link directly to specific Hypothes.is document within Canvas. Can annotate for whole class to see or take private notes. | PDF (must be optimized to read text), web article, webpage, AND some e-textbooks. Can annotate text and figures. Can export notes and access annotations through Perusall account access. Can set rubric to grade student annotation efforts. Includes social elements like hashtags, tagging (@) students/instructors, and visual reminders that questions need answers. |
| Disadvantages | No way to keep annotations private – all shared annotations are with entire class. Text annotation only; no figures. Does NOT accommodate e-books. Annotation and notes access is tied to Canvas course; must download another tool to do this. | Cannot link directly to a specific document in Canvas – Must access Perusall portal within Canvas, then choose specific document listed in order of due date. |
Watch this faculty-led tutorial of Perusall.
Review this Hypothes.is tutorial.