Basic Instructions for Using Annotate

Annotate is an online annotation program created in the Cognitive Science Program at Indiana University. It is intended to be used as a mechanism to allow students to read and comment on each other's papers. You can use Annotate to submit papers, annotate papers, and read submitted papers and annotations.

Here is a brief description of how the program works.

- To access Annotate, go to the URL http://www.indiana.edu/~annotate

- You will be asked to enter your Network ID username and password.

- You will then see a “Session” page listing the Annotate sessions you are authorized to use. In general, there is one session per class. Click on the name of the session you wish to use.

- You will see a list of one or more projects for the session. Click on the desired project.

- You may see some information about the project such as due dates and instructions.

You will see:

- A link that allows you to submit a document.

- A table for documents that have been submitted. Each document will have one or more versions.

To submit a document, click on the “Submit a document” link. You will be given directions in the program allowing you to complete the submission process. Please read and follow those directions carefully. (Note, the submission process is one of “uploading” a file. Your document must be written and saved using a word processor.)

Your uploaded document is immediately accessible to you and the instructor. It may also be accessible to other class members, depending upon the restrictions your instructor put on submitted documents.

There are two ways to annotate a document:

One paragraph at a time.

1. Click on the A icon that appears after each paragraph of the document. (A field appears after the paragraph.)

2. Enter your annotation, and click on Submit at the top of the screen.

1. To edit or delete annotations you have submitted previously click on the E or the D icons, respectively, that appear after the annotations you have submitted previously.

2. If you are editing an annotation, click on Submit at the top of the screen.

Via multiple annotations.

1. Choose “Multiple Annotations” from the “Choose Action” menu. Fields appear after every paragraph and where you have entered annotations previously.

2. Enter your new annotations and/or edit your previously submitted ones, and click on Submit at the top of the screen.

Some things to note:

You must use Netscape to use Annotate. Please do not use Internet Explorer or other browsers.

While you are using Annotate, your browser’s “Back” button is disabled. However, Annotate has its own back button for you to use.

If you are using Annotate via a slow modem, the program will run very slowly. If the program is running too slowly, use it in a student computing site at I.U. (You might also notice a slightly slower performance during peak usage periods.)

Annotate is a new program, and we are looking for suggestions for improving it. Please contact Ruth Eberle (reberle@indiana.edu or 856-5722) if you have any problems, questions, or suggestions for improving the program.