This is something that I have found extremely useful with Hypothes.is. Being able to link content from other digital texts helps us to relate concepts and develop a deeper understanding of what we are reading. Step 1 is to identify what they're talking about, step 2 is to be able to find common ground.

I'm wondering how I could potentially use other websites, like Genius, to annotate artworks? Are there any apps or programs used to annotate visuals or digital images? And if so, how can we get students to engage in conversations such as those on Genius?

Making tasks like annotating authentic is going to bring students to the conclusion that these 21st century skills can be applied across content and in their life.

I am wondering how else we can provide social annotations opportunities for our students that become overstimulated due to the 'messy' orientation? Is the answer smaller groups or how can we differentiate?

I have felt that this process of being able to hyperlink resources to your annotations to be especially helpful when students are learning how to compare and connect ideas from different sources under the same theme.

A benefit I have noticed to digital annotation is the collaborative component that sometimes gets lost in annotating. If we think about the way we are using Hypothes.is right now is collaborative and students can use this as a way to connect, challenge, change, and engage with each others ideas.