Annotating Documents using Google Classroom

While you were away enjoying your summer, Google Classroom came out with brand new feature that allows both teachers and students to annotate PDF's and JPG's using the Google Classroom mobile app. Previously, students and teachers would need to have another app, such as Notability, to annotate documents.

Annotation tools within Google Classroom include the eraser, pen, marker, highlighter, and text tool. Using these options, Students can use the annotation feature to draw, sketch, notate, and write out their thinking. Check out the presentation below to learn how to use the annotation features within classroom!


Think beyond the limits of worksheets! Imagine how students could capture their thinking by taking a photograph of a text they are working with and could mark up the document using their annotation features to show their thinking. No more sticky notes in text books that make it difficult for a teacher to view!

Not only can students annotate their thinking, teachers can, too! Teachers can select a different pen color and provide feedback to their students on the same document previously annotated by students. Teachers have the same annotation tools as students. Just remember to return student assignments in Classroom in order for students to see the feedback on that assignment.

To use the new annotation feature, you will need to make sure your students and teacher iPads have the most updated version of Google Classroom. To update your Google Classroom app, delete the app off of your iPads and reinstall it through the Jeffco App Catalog. Don't worry, you will not lose your classes and data, as that information is saved in the cloud.

Here's the official announcement from Google, published August 17th.