In Perusall, students can annotate readings within the text itself, and asynchronously respond to each other’s comments and questions in context. Rather than jumping between an assigned reading and multiple discussion board threads, questions and conversations happen in a living document.
As an instructor, you can assign interactions (required number of questions asked in the text/number of comments and answers to other students questions), and grades sync automatically with Canvas. You also can see which areas where your students have questions, or don’t quite grasp concepts, and tailor class time as needed.
This tool works with articles, OER sources, materials you’ve created, and even published textbooks (although students do need to purchase textbooks through the platform, which can work with the campus bookstore). Check out this demo, or one of the free webinars offered by Perusall to learn more.