Hypothesis Transition

Hypothesis is among several software licenses previously funded through the Federal Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) that will not be renewed. After the license end date of June 30, 2025, CSUN faculty, staff, and students will no longer be able to access Hypothesis through a campus license. Visit the 2025 HEERF Software Tools Transition webpage for additional background information and the full list of impacted tools. 

Overview 

Hypothesis has been a powerful tool for document and web-based social annotation, enabling students and instructors to collaboratively highlight and comment on web pages and documents. While there is no single tool that replicates all of Hypothesis’s functionality, there are alternative options that can support similar collaborative learning experiences. 

CSUN-Supported Alternatives 

The Academic Technology team has identified the following tools and approaches that may serve as alternatives to Hypothesis, depending on your specific instructional needs: 

Canvas 

• Annotation Assignments: Canvas allows students to annotate files directly as part of an assignment. This feature works well for structured annotation activities tied to specific submission and grading workflows. 

• Discussions: Canvas Discussions enable collaborative dialogue around uploaded files or text, making them a good option for fostering group analysis and debate. 

Zoom 

• Whiteboards: Zoom’s whiteboard feature can be used for collaborative brainstorming or annotating text and images during synchronous class sessions. 

• Shared Screen Annotations: Zoom allows users to annotate shared screens, enabling real-time collaboration on documents or web pages. 

Google Suite 

• Docs: Google Docs supports real-time collaboration with inline comments and suggestions, making it a strong option for group annotation tasks. 

• Slides: Use Google Slides for collaborative annotations on visual presentations, such as slides or images. 

Transition Steps & Timeline 

What to do now: 

• Explore the alternative tools listed above and determine which best fits your course activities. 

• If considering Google Suite, request a CSUN Google account by contacting the IT Help Center.  

• Contact the Faculty Technology Center (FTC) for advice on identifying and implementing alternatives. 

Before June 30, 2025: 

• Export and save any content you wish to keep from Hypothesis. 

• Revise assignments to integrate with your chosen alternative tool(s). 

Training and Support Options 

Self-Access Resources 

We have curated the resources listed below as a starting point to assist with the transition. Additional resources will be added throughout the Spring 2025 semester  

Canvas 

• CSUN Canvas Resources 

• How do I annotate a file as an assignment submission in Canvas? 

• Discussions Overview for Instructors 

• Discussions Overview for Students 

Zoom 

• Access CSUN Zoom 

• Using the Zoom White Board 

• Using Annotation Tools for Collaboration 

Google Suite 

• CSUN Email and Google Suite Information 

• Learn to Use Drawings and Markup 

• Use Markdown in Google Docs, Slides, & Drawings 

Hypothesis 

• Exporting and Importing Annotations 

Workshops 

We will be hosting workshops specifically tailored to faculty transitioning from Hypothesis to alternative tools. Topics will include creating annotation assignments and discussions in Canvas, using Zoom whiteboards for collaborative activities, and exploring other tools for collaborative annotation. Visit the FTC Workshop Calendar for upcoming events and registration details. 

One-on-One Assistance 

CSUN’s Academic Technology team is available for one-on-one help via email, Zoom, or in-person meetings. Our staff are available to help you identify alternatives that meet your instructional goals. To request assistance, email us at ftc@csun.edu or visit the Faculty Technology Center (FTC) page for additional contact options.