Adobe Reader

Adobe Reader allows users to read and share various file types, as well as read, share, and annotate PDF files. To begin, users may access files saved to their device, in their email, or from the Adobe Document cloud by choosing the corresponding button from the top menu. Users can then view the imported files in the “Recent” tab. When viewing a file in Adobe Reader, users can scroll through its content, zoom in and out, and share it via email. However, users can only annotate documents that are PDF files. To annotate a document, users tap on the document to enact the menu bar at the bottom of the screen. From the menu, users can tap any of the icons, which will then provide them with an assortment of annotation tools. Users can save the annotations they make and then choose the “Export PDF” from the side menu to share it. Although there are many other ways Adobe Reader can be used, the purpose of this report is to explain how to upload, read, annotate, and share PDF files.

Please note: Adobe Reader has the ability to convert other types of files into PDF and export; however, a fee is charged for these features.

Instructional Ideas

1. Teachers can instruct students to upload a PDF text using the Adobe Reader app. Students will then be required to annotate the text. After completing their annotations, the annotated documents can be emailed to the teacher for grading. This feature is particularly useful for having students “close-read” a text.
2. Instead of running off handouts, graphic organizers, and/or worksheets, teachers can use the Adobe Reader app to distribute those documents. To do so, teachers can save the document to be distributed to a shared Dropbox folder or post it to a class website. Next, students can then locate the document and open it in the Adobe Reader app. This will allow all students access to the document. If students are completing a graphic organizer or worksheet, teachers should save documents as PDF files for students to upload. That way, students can use Adobe Reader’s annotation features to complete the learning activity and submit their work to the teacher over email.
3. Teachers can use the Adobe Reader app for a peer-review writing activity. For example, when students have a rough draft of a research paper, short story, or essay, they can upload that draft as a PDF file to a shared Dropbox folder or post it to a class website. Next, teachers can assign different students to critique their classmates’ work by using the annotation tools to provide feedback. Teachers are advised to ensure that students’ critiques are centered both on the content of the work and that they are grammatically correct. Once students have completed their critiques, they can email the annotated draft back to the student who authored it.