Peer review for learning in online and distance education

Abstract

In this article the authors' reports early findings from a project aimed to implement and evaluate peer review in online and distance university education. Data was collected through an online questionnaire with open and closed questions aimed to capture student experiences in a distance course, in which peer review preceded by criteria discussions was implemented. In this article the aim is to learn more about strengths and obstacles with peer review, and participation through ICT and text based communication. A majority of the students found that participating in peer review was valuable, although some found participation a bit taxing and too time consuming. Participation through ICT and text based discussions was found sufficient by the majority although a few students found it restraining. The conclusion is that it can be well worth continuing exploring peer review and how to design this element to support students learning in online and distance university education