Hypothesis is a social annotation web-based tool that allows students to collaboratively annotate PFDs and text published on the web. Hypothesis is fully integrated with Canvas. It enables students and instructors to add comments in the margins of the text, reply to other comments, and engage in a deep discussion around the course readings.

Features

• Integrates with Canvas and speedgrader
• Annotate PDFs and webpages
• Group assignment capabilities
• Video, images, and links in student comments

Instructional Uses

Asynchronous Discussion

Give space for students to ask each other questions, share ideas, and collaborate around course readings, lecture notes, and webpages. Instructors can move seminar-style discussions partially or fully online with Hypothesis assignments around readings. 

Course Policy Discussions

Invite students to annotate the syllabus collaboratively in order to increase transparency of course goals and expectations, and engage students with issues like academic integrity. 

Scaffolded Learning

Hypothesis allows students to expand on course readings with links, images, and videos and develop shared ideas about course content through comments and questions. In addition, instructors can guide student learning through their own questions and comments.

Engaging Readings

Students can connect their prior knowledge to assigned readings. Students can work individually or in groups to build a shared understanding of course topics. Hypothesis assignments become a library of notes collaboratively created by students and the instructor, which they can use to increase their academic performance in the course. 

Getting Started

To get started, read our Overview, watch Using Hypothesis with Assignments in Canvas, Using Hypothesis With Canvas Modules and explore Hypothesis’s Teacher Resource Guide and Student Resource Guide

Getting Help

If you would like to discuss setting up and using Hypothesis in your course, please feel free to request a consultation with the LSA Learning and Teaching Consultants.

Support

If you have technical issues with Hypothesis, please direct your questions to: support@hypothes.is