Annotation tools allow users to add comments, feedback, and notes to documents, images, or videos. They can be an effective way to supply feedback to assignments at precisely the point in the document or video where the feedback applies, or for a student to take notes as they review materials.
Some popular online annotation tools are listed below.
- Canvas’s DocViewer in SpeedGrader includes annotation tools that can be used to provide feedback on submitted work (available free to Middlebury faculty and staff, and supported by Middlebury ITS)
- Zoom has annotation tools that can be used when sharing screens or on a shared whiteboard (available free to Middlebury faculty and staff, and supported by Middlebury ITS)
- Hypothesis is a free, independent annotation tool that integrates with Canvas and WordPress (Sites DOT, Middcreate)
- Adobe Acrobat DC allows users to add annotations to PDF documents (available free for Middlebury-owned computers)
- VideoAnt is a free video annotation tool from the University of Minnesota
- GoReact is a video assessment tool that works well for assessing performance-based skills (e.g., interpreting, language learning, theatre, speech, dance). It is available to all Middlebury faculty, staff, and students, and integrates with Canvas, allowing Canvas-based assignments tied to the gradebook.