This post is provided by guest blogger, Victoria Kral, graduate student University of St. Francis, MS Training and Development program

Instructors have a variety of assessment tools to use in an e-learning environment and peer assessment is a proactive learning tool. Asynchronous communication with classmates and instructors allows us flexibility in time to assess others work. For instance, an instructor may assign a PowerPoint assignment to the class and require the students to review and critique the work. Since students are not in live time they are able to use a screencast program to record their presentation and allow multiple viewers to view at their leisure.  Instructors and students are able to make assessments and collaborate effectively with asynchronous communication.

I highly recommend reading this article for educators who are looking to add peer-assessments into their e-learning curriculum. The article captures the importance of asynchronous communication and the importance of flexible communication and how it reaches the masses. I also recommend reviewing the youtube video regarding the importance of receiving feedback from your peers and your instructor. Both of these references show that assessments including peer reviews are a great source of e-learning evaluations.

References:

(2017). Michigan Virtual [Online video]. Michigan Department of Education. Retrieved September 16, 2018, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wwo09Lb9hw

Throne, B. (n.d.). Asynchronous Communication Is The Future Of Work. In I Done This Blog The Science of Small Wins. Retrieved September 16, 2018, from http://blog.idonethis.com/asynchronous-communication/