Hypothes.is is an online tool designed to allow for collaborative or social annotation. The practice of annotation – adding notes within the margins of a text – allows us to dive deeper into the words on the page, to analyze the author’s intent, to interpret and make sense of the text in our own way, to explore the structure of an argument, and to summarize key concepts. Technology has enabled us to take this practice beyond the physical page, and into the digital sphere.
In this way, it can also be used as a note-taking and research tool, allowing for more collaborative and dynamic study strategies. Instructors can also use Hypothes.is as a critical reading tool by assigning websites and readings where students answer questions or highlight and describe concepts.
NOTE: In order to enable Hypothes.is, you will be prompted to Authorize Hypothes.is. A message will appear that reads, “Hypothes.is needs your authorization to launch this assignment.”
- Click “Authorize” and a screen will appear from Canvas that reads, “Hypothes.is is requesting access to your account. You are authorizing this account as [YOUR NAME].”
- From here, you should click “Authorize” again, then you should be all set to use and utilize Hypothes.is!
Video: Annotating in the LMS for Students (1:32)
Additional Resources
- Introduction to Hypothesis for Students
- Annotation Etiquette for Students
- An Illustrated Guide to Annotation Types
- Using Images, Links, and Videos in Annotations
- FOR MATH: Formatting Annotations w/ LaTeX
- ACCESSIBILITY: Creating Annotations Using Only Your Keyboard
Technical Support
If you need technical assistance regarding Hypothes.is, please reach out to the office of Distance Education and Learning Design at EHE-DistanceEd@osu.edu.
