Hypothes.is

What is it?

A social reading and annotation tool that helps develop comprehension and critical thinking about course materials. 

Why use it?

Writing in the margins has always been an essential activity for students. Annotation helps in reading comprehension and in developing critical thinking about course materials. Hypothesis enables students to continue this essential activity with online readings. Digital annotation also offers new affordances, enabling students to respond to text using different media and empowering them to collaborate on understanding and developing ideas about their readings.

Use Case Example

Visiting Assistant Professor of Classics Jody Valentine used Hypothes.is for her course, “Gender and Sexuality in Ancient Rome.” She created a private Hypothes.is group for her and her students, which enabled her students to engage with each other while completing asynchronous work. Also, Professor Valentine was able to share information with her students that she was unable to share during class time. Because the group was private, they were able to do this without fear of posting private information and ideas to the internet. 

See Jody Valentine discuss her use of Hypothes.is:

Video Transcript Download

How do I get started?

Hypothesis is now integrated within Sakai. You simply select it as an external tool via the Lessons tool to begin creating Hypothesis-enabled content. For step-by-step instructions check out the video tutorial on How to Use the Hypothes.is LMS App with Lessons in Sakai.

How do I get help?

ITS Staff is available to answer your questions and meet you for a consultation and/or group training, if needed. We can help brainstorm ideas for using Hypothes.is in your teaching based on your specific needs and discipline. Simply reach out to servicedesk@pomona.edu.

Support Resources

You can also browse through our support resources to help answer your question(s).

Help from ITS-Pomona

The following includes Pomona-specific instructions:

Visit the Hypothes.is media library for additional video tutorials on how-to topics.

The Pomona Knowledge Base also has written documentation to help get you started.

Help from Hypothes.is

Hypothes.is, the company also offers a wealth of information on its website — from model assignments, product tutorials, partner workshops, and much more! Visit the Educator Resource Guide for more details.

Answers to some frequently asked questions include:

Past Events