Hypothes.is is a great FREE tool for online annotation. The link above provides instructions for setting it up, learning activity ideas, and resources for teachers and students. This post on the TPS Western Region blog utilizes Robert Frost's The Gift Outright to build historical context. 

Example Online Analysis Activity: 

After students have downloaded the free web extension for their browser, direct them to School Begins on loc.gov. 

Students can utilize the Primary Source Analysis Tool to email their Observations, Reflections, and Questions to the teacher. 

Provide them with prompting questions and model annotation before they begin. For example:

• Why are there some students in the front, some in the back, and some even further back? 
• What does this image say about Imperialism? 
• How does the author/artist use symbolism to get across their message? What are some examples of symbolism in the image? 
• How does some element of the political cartoon relate to present time? 
• What else was going on during this time period that might give us historical context clues? 
• What other resources can you find loc.gov to compare/contrast with this one? 

It doesn't really matter where students highlight and annotate the text, especially if they are replying to question prompts. 

  Online Learning