Collaborative Learning Annotation System (CLAS)
Parent Page(s): Options for Online AssignmentsMultimedia TeachingVideo Production

Transform the way students interact with online media.
Collaborative Learning Annotation System (CLAS) is a web-based system that integrates video playback, time based annotation and commenting, recording and media management, all into one application. CLAS encourages self-directed engagement with online content, while at the same facilitating peer to peer learning and collaborative activities such as peer assessment. Besides providing annotation and collaboration, CLAS is also a well-equipped video application with features designed specifically to support education, most notably, flexible and customizable access control of both videos and annotations/comments. UBC faculty, staff, and students can access CLAS at clas.ubc.ca.
Features
Comments
Add comments directly on the media timeline and start threaded discussions
Video and Audio Annotations
Add time-specific annotations as you review media
PDF Annotations
Upload a PDF file and add in-line audio, video or text annotations
Image Annotations
Select an area or a point in an image and add an annotation
Import Media
Import media directly from YouTube or other self-hosted servers via a URL
Integration
Integration with Canvas, allowing single sign-on for students. Import enrollments directly from the Student Information System (SIS)
Assignments
Create assignment drop boxes for students to submit their media content
Mobile
View, record, upload and annotate on your mobile devices
Tags
Tag your annotations with key works and easily search for them later
Playlists
Organize media content using playlists
Analytics
View detailed usage data to assess student activity and participation in the course
Groups
Control participation and content visibility by creating groups
How Are Instructors using CLAS in their Courses?

Marina Milner-Bolotin in Education uses CLAS to support teacher-candidates
I have used CLAS in two different courses: in ETEC 533 – an online graduate course in the...

Misuzu Kazama in Asian Studies uses CLAS for language learning
Misuzu Kazama taught this 3rd year Japanese course (Advanced Modern Japanese – Reading and Writing II) for the...

Alfredo Ferreira in Vantage College uses CLAS for linking language in math practice
Videos of instructors solving mathematical problems on CLAS were annotated by students, allowing them to build the link...

Robert Taylor uses CLAS in Conducting and Symphony Orchestra Courses
"CLAS is a fantastic way for students to review their own work and for professors to give highly...

Marvin Cohodas uses CLAS in Art History
"One benefit of CLAS is that it reinforces material, which is generally unfamiliar to students, full of terms...
Advantages
- Facilitates collaborative, group discussion of audio/ video, image, and PDF files.
- Enables multimedia and PDF peer assessments through time or text specific commenting.
- Media and Annotations can be private or shared to groups or the entire class.
- Allows submission of audio/ video, image, or PDF assignments.
- Annotations can be made in text or as audio/ video, image, or PDF files.
- 200GB of media storage.
- FIPPA compliant, SIS linked.
- Mobile friendly.
Limitations
- Cannot edit audio/ video, image, or PDF files within CLAS.
- Cannot annotate videos (i.e. add markups, arrows, shapes, etc.)
- Self-record feature is only available on mobile devices.
Getting Started
![]() |
Drop by the Arts Learning Centre for a chat in Buchanan C105A |
![]() |
Contact ArtsISIT arts.helpdesk@ubc.ca for assistance or a demonstration! |
![]() |
Ask us a question by filling out the form below. |