Overview
This lecture explains how to set up and use Perusall for class assignments, including account creation, course enrollment, annotation tools, and profile customization.
Getting Started with Perusall
- Go to perusall.com and click "Log In" then "Register" to create an account.
- You can register using your email or log in with Facebook, Twitter, or Google.
- Confirm your email address through the link sent to your inbox.
- To join a course, click "Enroll in a course," select "I am a student," and enter your course code from your instructor.
- After enrolling, you'll see your course homepage with reading assignments and deadlines.
Accessing Assignments and Textbooks
- Begin an assignment by clicking "Work on Assignment."
- If a textbook is required, purchase it online or enter an access code from your bookstore.
- Once you have access, you can read and annotate the text.
Annotating Text and Video Assignments
- Start a conversation by highlighting text and typing your comment in the right-side panel.
- Join ongoing conversations by clicking on existing highlights.
- Annotation tools include bold, italics, colored text, background colors, polls, LaTeX, emojis, code snippets, images, links, and videos.
- You can post anonymous comments.
- For video assignments, watch the video, click "Add Comment" at the top right, and leave your comment.
- Respond to peers' comments on videos by clicking their annotations in the timeline.
Editing Your Profile and Accessibility
- Edit your profile by clicking your name in the top right and selecting "Edit Profile."
- Change your name, set pronouns, enter student ID, and sometimes change your email.
- Set your time zone, language, and upload a profile picture.
- Customize your avatar color and switch between light/dark color schemes or auto-match your system.
- A range of accessibility options is available.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Annotation — A note, comment, or highlight added to text or video within Perusall.
- Access code — A code purchased from a bookstore to unlock textbook content in Perusall.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Register and confirm your Perusall account.
- Enroll in your instructor's course using the provided code.
- Review your course assignments and deadlines.
- Customize your profile and settings as needed.