Hypothesis

Hypothesis is a social annotation tool that is integrated directly into D2L and allows instructors to create active reading assignments. Social annotation can help deepen engagement with course materials, improve comprehension, and foster a community of learning. Instead of a separate discussion board, instructors and students can add comments, questions, and highlights directly onto web pages, PDFs, and other online content, transforming passive reading into an active, social, and collaborative process.

Key Features

  • Hypothesis is automatically available in every D2L course.
  • Because it runs inside D2L, there is no need for students to sign into a separate account to complete Hypothesis assignments.
  • Works with PDF files, websites, JSTOR articles, Google Drive files, and YouTube transcripts.
  • Annotations appear in-line with text and supported threaded replies, @mentions, and embedded media. 
  • Works with D2L Groups to support small-group discussions/assignments.
  • The Paced Social Annotation option allows students to write without seeing each other's work until it's released by the instructor.
  • Hypothesis grades sync to the D2L gradebook.
  • The LMS Reporting Dashboard shows real-time annotation counts and engagement data to instructors. 

How to Get Started

Hypothesis is universally available in D2L. Annotation assignments can be added to the Content section of any D2L course by following the instructions outlined in this article: How to Create a Hypothesis Annotation Assignment in D2L. Additional information and resources can be found in the Hypothesis: Getting Started article.

Have questions or want to talk through an idea for an annotation assignment? Schedule a technology consultation with a member of the TLC, or contact us at tlc@wcupa.edu

Resources