Social annotation apps like Hypothes.is and Perusall allow students to discuss PDF texts, websites, and even video asynchronously, by commenting on passages or points on a playtrack, and replying to each others’ comments. Unlike asynchronous discussions (using D2L’s discussions tool), conversation takes place directly on or beside the text or video.
This spring, two options are be available in D2L: Hypothes.is and Perusall. Hypothes.is is more appropriate for having students comment on web page-based content, while Perusall allows students to comment on videos and even podcast episodes. Both can handle .pdf-based texts.
If you’d like to try these out in your classes, check out our Wiki guide for these tools. If you have further questions, or would just like to discuss possibilities, email Mark Gallimore to set up an appointment!