On Anomalies in Annotation Systems

TL;DR

This paper discusses fundamental issues in current computer-based annotation systems, which extend traditional methods but face acceptance challenges, and proposes shifting the annotation paradigm as a solution.

Contribution

It identifies inherent problems in existing annotation systems and introduces a new paradigm shift to improve their acceptance and effectiveness.

Findings

Current systems extend traditional annotations but face acceptance issues.

Fundamental problems are inherent in the traditional annotation paradigm.

A proposed paradigm shift aims to address these issues.

Abstract

Today's computer-based annotation systems implement a wide range of functionalities that often go beyond those available in traditional paper-and-pencil annotations. Conceptually, annotation systems are based on thoroughly investigated psycho-sociological and pedagogical learning theories. They offer a huge diversity of annotation types that can be placed in textual as well as in multimedia format. Additionally, annotations can be published or shared with a group of interested parties via well-organized repositories. Although highly sophisticated annotation systems exist both conceptually as well as technologically, we still observe that their acceptance is somewhat limited. In this paper, we argue that nowadays annotation systems suffer from several fundamental problems that are inherent in the traditional paper-and-pencil annotation paradigm. As a solution, we propose to shift the annotation paradigm for the implementation of annotation system.