Hypothes.is

What is Hypothes.is?

Hypothes.is is a collaborative annotation tool encouraging social engagement and active learning between learners and teachers. This tool can be used inside of Blackboard or on a web browser within the classroom. We've provided a recording from one of their sessions

Hypothes.is in Blackboard Learn

Before we can start with Hypothes.is, there's a small detour to make the teaching and learning experience better to start.

How to OCR-optimize PDFs

OCR, short for Optical Character Recognition, is the process of converting text images into a machine-readable format. Web browsers and apps like Hypothesis require this format to recognize and select text within documents. OCR-optimized documents help blind and visually impaired readers by enabling screen readers and assistive technology to interact with the text. It's best to use OCR-optimized documents, whether you are or are not annotating with Hypothes.is.

Your file must be an optimized Optical Character Recognition (OCR) document to work properly in Hypothes.is. Watch the following video on How to OCR-optimize PDFs.
- - If you have a document that isn't, you can use Adobe Acrobat. STCC has an institutional license.

Now, let's dive into getting started with Hypothes.is!

Setting up Hypothes.is in a Blackboard Course

Step 1: Creating a Hypothesis Assignment

Log into Blackboard
Select your course
Select the area where you want the Hypothes,is Assignment to reside

Select Built Content. A contextual menu appears.
Select the "Hypothes.is" link. It is located in the first column of text at the bottom of the menu.
Enter the name and description of the assignment.
Attach file.
- IMPORTANT: This is for additional instructions, for example, text or other instructional materials, to be attached to the assignment only. Do not attach the document you wish to annotate here.
Under Grading, select "enable evaluation" if you wish to grade the assignment. You will be asked for possible points and due dates.
Determine your view options
- Permit Users to View Content
- Track the Number of Views
- Select Date and Time Restrictions
Select Cancel to cancel, Submit to save and continue.

Step 2: Associate the content for annotation to the assignment

After submitting the assignment, you will return the content area / assignment page
Select the title link of the newly created Hypothes.is assignment
The Assignment detail page will appear.
Select the file type:
- URL (Web Page / PDF)
  - Include entire URL address
- Blackboard (PDF)
  - If you choose this option, you will need additional permissions to access the file. Please contact CODL if you wish to use this option.
- Google Drive (PDF)
  - You will be asked to sign in to your Google Drive
- JSTOR (Article)
  - This must be an Open Access document at the JSTOR site.
- OneDrive (PDF)
  - You will be asked to sign in to your One Drive
- YouTube (Video)
Based on your selection, locate your file.

IMPORTANT: Your file must be an optimized Optical Character Recognition (OCR) document to work properly. Watch a Hypothe.is developed video on How to OCR-optimize PDFs. Also, if you have text that isn't, you can use Adobe Acrobat as part of our STCC license to convert your documents.

After selecting your file type, the Hypothes.is interface will confirm your selection.
If using the Blackboard group tool, and this is for a specific group of students, select, "This is a group assignment."
- Groups must be completed ahead of time.
At this time, you can annotate the document before students enter, if you wish.
Your Hypothes.is assignment is ready to go.

Select where the assignment content is located

Interface for selecting the document file type

Are you using Blackboard Groups? Is this a group assignment? Check the box if it is!

Success! Hypothes.is Assignment is ready for submissions.

Training & Support

Blackboard Hypothes.is Support & Practice Course

Would you like to use Hypothes.is within Blackboard.
Do you want to dive in and use it in your class?
Do you want to know more?
Do you want to practice using Hypothes.is not in your class?
Want to stay in the loop about updates, workshops, or meetings?

Email Kyle Kraus if interested.

Additional Resources

Grading Student Annotations in Blackboard (Hypothes.is)
This is a helpful tutorial on grading annotations after student participation.
Annotating PDFs Locally (Hypothes.is)
If you are interested in using Hypothes.is outside of Blackboard in the classroom or other settings, such as classroom activities and live webinar presentations.

Student Resources

Need some information with students on what Hypothes.is, and how to use it? Here is a list of handouts and videos to review and provide to students.

Introduction to the Hypothesis LMS App for Students
An Illustrated Taxonomy of Annotation Types
Adding Links, Images, and Videos
Annotation Tips for Students

Security, Accessibility and LTI Parameters

If you are interested in security, accessibility or how Hypothes.is connects to Blackboard from a technological point of view, please read the following documents.

HECVAT (security)
VPAT (accessibility)
LTI Parameters

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