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 in email, from a website, or from a cloud storage app (such as Dropbox) by utilizing the “Open In” function and selecting the Adobe Reader app. Alternatively, PDF files can be uploaded into Adobe Reader. Users can then view the imported files in the “Recents” tab, or they can view all files ever imported in the “Documents” 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. 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 share the annotated document over email. 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; however, a fee is charged for this feature. To avoid the fee, users should upload files that have already been converted to PDF.

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.

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