Exploring the Meaning of Annotation in Education

As we embark on a new school year, it's exciting to see that Hypothesis has established an active education department, dedicated to empowering educators and students alike with innovative tools for learning. In the spirit of these first days of the school year, I'd like to delve into what we really mean when we say 'annotate.'

Annotation is often viewed as a means to an end, but it's much more than that. As someone relatively new to Hypothesis, I've been advocating for collaborative web annotation technologies in education for years now. However, in recent conversations with educators, I've come to realize that we often have different interpretations of the word 'annotate.'

The term 'annotation' takes on distinct meanings depending on the subject area, grade level, and teaching philosophy involved. For instance, in literature classes, annotation might refer to the process of highlighting important passages, making notes, or adding commentary to a text. In science classrooms, annotation may involve labeling diagrams, explaining complex concepts, or summarizing key findings.

As educators, it's essential that we recognize these nuances when encouraging students to engage with course readings using collaborative web annotation tools like Hypothesis. By doing so, we can foster deeper understanding, critical thinking, and meaningful discussions around the material.

In this new academic year, I urge teachers to seize the opportunity to explore the potential of collaborative annotation with their students. Together, let's uncover the power of annotation as a tool for learning, and watch our students grow into informed, curious, and creative thinkers.

Sample of an article annotation