Spotlights: Designs for Directing Learners' Attention in a Large-Scale Social Annotation Platform

A new approach to online discussion, which situates student discussions in the margins of course content, can enhance engagement with materials. However, high-enrollment classes, large number comments overwhelm and intimidate students. Some become frustrated by volume potential interactions a perceived lack immediate relevance their studies. Likewise, instructors are disappointed when outstanding discussions, that they deem valuable for all see, get lost clutter. To address these challenges, we propose visual spotlighting mechanisms increasing saliency selected comments. We piloted deployed multiple designs two biology courses at public university United States. Interviews, surveys, controlled experiment show relevant heavily annotated texts positively affects students' engagement, measured terms attention comments, reported sense validation pride. Students also preferences certain designs.