How To Use the Highlighting Tool

Students can highlight text and media (images, videos, audio) and add notes in their publications. If a student highlights a word or phrase that is listed as a weekly vocabulary word, they will be able to read and listen to the definition. Highlights can be made in Articles, text and media sections, Activities, Customized Content, and Explore More.

To add highlights and notes, students will choose the article they would like to read.

 iPad Users:

If using an iPad, you can highlight text by placing your finger on the first word you want to highlight. Hold it until the word turns blue, then drag your finger across the remaining words you want to highlight. Once you release your finger the blue selection bubbles appear. Do not lift your finger until all the text you want to highlight has been selected. The following steps in the process are the same as they would be on a computer.

To view vocabulary definitions, add highlights, or add notes, students will choose the article they would like to read.

  • View Vocabulary Definitions: Click and drag the cursor over the vocabulary word and select the Vocabulary tab. 

    When users highlight a vocabulary term that is associated with an image, the image will appear next to the definition in the Vocabulary tab of the highlight box.                             
  • Highlight Text and Add a Note: Click and drag the cursor over the section of text to be highlighted. Place the cursor in the Notes box and add your text. Select Save when finished. 2025-03-06_12-29-22.gif
    • For Activities only, highlights must be saved before clicking Submit at the end of the activity.

  • Add Image Note: Click any article image to enlarge it. Select the Highlight button to write a note.
  • Add Video Note:  Select a video from the publication or inside Explore More. Then find the highlighter button.

 

From there, students can:

  1. Click the Play button to hear the audio for the highlighted selection.
  2. Click anywhere inside the Notes box to enter text.
  3. Click any of the colored circles to choose a highlighting color. The selected color will appear with a checkmark.
  4. Click the X to close the dialog box and not save your work.
  5. Weekly vocabulary words and phrases are found within the articles. Students can read and listen to the definition of a vocabulary word or phrase, after it is highlighted. The definition also appears in the bottom of the dialog box. Vocabulary definitions can be disabled by teachers under the Edit Students tab from the People page.
  6. Click SAVE to record your notes and highlights.
  7. To remove an existing highlight and note, click anywhere on the highlight. In the dialog box, click the Trash Can.