Features
Can I export my annotations?
Not yet! Though this feature has been requested and is reportedly on the Hypothesis roadmap. If you would like export annotations we can request specific files, just send us an email at Canvas@Cornell.edu.
How can I see all the annotations of a particular student?
You can use the search tool by clicking the eyeglass in the Hypothesis window.
What are tags?
Tags are a way for you and your students to mark, then sort annotations. They are not “forced”, so you will need to ask students to use the exact same tags as one another to get full functionality.
Can I copy my files, assignments or modules from course to course?
Unfortunately, no, but sort of. Files and assignments will copy over, but in many instances you will need to go into the assignment and reconnect the external tool of Hypothesis to the PDF document.
Can I annotate LaTeX?
Yes!
Can I leave direct and private feedback on student annotations?
Only if you use Canvas Assignments and SpeedGrader.
Can I break my class into smaller groups so one PDF doesn’t have so many annotations?
Yes! You will want to use the Hypothesis tool that creates many PDFs with different “fingerprints”, then create an assignment for each group of students choosing a different PDF for each.
Troubleshooting
Why are my annotation quotes garbled?
You may need to find an unmarked copy of your PDF. Any markings in the original file can confuse the OCR.
Why can’t I select text in my PDF?
Your PDF is probably not a readable file. You will need to create a readable PDF to use.
Why can’t I see all my files in the files browser?
Hypothesis is limited to showing 100 files, which are in alphabetical order. If you have more than 100, only those 100 in the top of the list will show.
Why does my Complete/Incomplete assignment keep telling me I need to grade it?
In order for assignments to “stick” after students submit them, you will need to assign at least one point. Then, if you don’t want that to count in the Canvas Gradebook, select the “do not count towards the final grade” box.
Why am I being notified about re-submissions all the time?
Every time a student opens a PDF in an assignment, Hypothesis will notify you that there is a re-submission. You can adjust the notifications for your Canvas course to stop this behavior.
Miscellaneous
Do you have resources that I can share with my students?
You can find some resources for students on the Hypothesis site.
What is OCR and how do I use it to create Hypothesis-enabled readings?
Some PDF files cannot be read by an application like Hypothesis. An Optical Character Recognition (OCR) tool can help you modify your file so you can share it with your students. Optimize the PDF files you share as you learn How to OCR PDFs.
