Hypothes.is: A Digital Annotation Tool

Washington University has a university-wide license to a digital web-based learning tool called Hypothes.is. Hypothesis is a social annotation tool used for collaboration, interactive reading, annotation, and discussion that is integrated with Canvas and SpeedGrader.

Adding Hypothesis to readings in Canvas can support student success by placing active discussion right on top of PDFs and webpages, enabling students and instructors to add comments and start conversations in the margins of a course reading. This is a tool that the CTL is confident will help support student learning regardless of the mode of instruction (in person, Hyflex, or online) you are using in your courses.

Here are some web-based resources available for implementing Hypothesis within your Canvas courses:

• How to set up Hypothesis readings through Canvas Modules
• How to set up Hypothesis readings through Canvas Assignments
• How to grade Hypothesis annotations in Canvas
• A student guide to Hypothesis in Canvas
• Annotation etiquette for students
• An Illustrated Guide to Annotation Types
• Using images, links, and videos in annotations

You are also welcome to reach out to Meg Gregory at the CTL (meggregory@wustl.edu) or to Becky George, Customer Support Specialist at Hypothesis, (rebecca.george@hypothes.is) for an individual consultation on using Hypothesis.