Peer Review

Can Online Peer Assessment Be Trusted?

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Reviewed:: Jun 5, 2025 by Faculty Development

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Ratings

Overall Rating:

Content Quality:

Effectiveness:

Ease of Use:

Overview:

This article explores the validity and reliability of online peer assessment in educational settings. It presents empirical findings from a study involving computer science students using a peer-assessment tool to review project work. The authors analyze assessment consistency and fairness compared to instructor grading. Key features include discussion of the peer review process, inter-rater reliability, and pedagogical implications. It is suitable for instructors interested in assessment strategies and educational technology tools.

Type of Material:

Open (Access) Journal-Article

Recommended Uses:

Homework, curriculum development, instructor training, professional development, discussion-based classroom settings

Technical Requirements:

Requires PDF viewer; no specific software or plug-ins are needed.

Identify Major Learning Goals:

Understand how peer assessment can function in online environments
Evaluate the reliability of peer-generated grades
Reflect on challenges and opportunities in peer assessment systems

Target Student Population:

Higher education instructors, instructional designers, education researchers, and graduate students in Education or Instructional Technology

Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:

Education, instructional design, education technology, UI, UX, or related fields.

Content Quality

Rating:
Strengths:: The article provides detailed analysis and empirical data. It is published in a reputable journal, ensuring credibility and reliability.
Concerns:: None noted — content is well-supported and professionally presented.

Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool

Rating:

Strengths:

Supports professional development in education
Can be used to prompt meaningful faculty discussion on grading and fairness
Easily adaptable for teaching about digital pedagogy

Concerns:

None noted

Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty

Rating:

Strengths:

The site has a clear and consistent layout.

Concerns:

Minor accessibility notes (e.g., no alt text for figures in original article)

Other Issues and Comments:: Commendation: This article is a valuable contribution for educators exploring the reliability of online peer review. It balances theoretical frameworks and practical application well, making it both informative and actionable.
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