There are numerous uses for digital annotation in an educational setting. It allows students and teachers to label and mark up text, images, songs, websites, videos, and more. It gives students a voice as they learn close-reading skills, provide analysis and opinion, become fact-finding web detectives, engage in peer review, and practice essential research techniques. Also, with digital annotation tools, educators can spotlight important points, promote critical thinking through video, inspire inquiry, observe student confusion, personalize grading, and streamline the paperless classroom.

Sounds great, doesn’t it. But what digital annotation tools work best? Sometimes the best option is the free one. In this case, I would go with Google Classroom. Here are three tips for using Google Classroom for digital annotation in the classroom.

1. Annotated Bibliographies – Have students create an annotated bibliography using Google Docs.
2. Annotate Images – Annotate images in Google Docs or Slides using the insert drawing tool.
3. Annotate Student Work – Annotate student work using the Classroom mobile app.

Can you think of any additional ways that you can use Google Classroom for digital annotation?

Click here to view all of Google Classroom Tips.