Peer Review Tool
- Supports both individual and group peer feedback
- Accepts various file types for submissions
- Offers customisable criteria and rubrics
- Provides anonymity settings
- Includes self-assessment options
- Allows for configurable grading
Overview
University College Dublin (UCD) is committed to enhancing student learning experiences through effective peer review and assessment processes. Since 2021, PeerScholar has been our primary tool for facilitating peer review activities, allowing students to engage in Peer Review & Assessment. As part of UCD's six approaches to feedback, peer review has become increasingly important. Following a comprehensive review of our peer review provision, which assessed current usage, gathered feedback, and evaluated future needs, the decision was made to explore alternative tools. In Summer 2024, UCD selected FeedbackFruits for a one-year pilot as our new peer review and assessment solution. It's important to note that PeerScholar will remain available and in use throughout this pilot period. This webpage provides key information about the FeedbackFruits pilot project, including its features, implementation timeline, and how to get involved.
Project Update
Following a procurement process, FeedbackFruits was selected as the tool for our pilot project. The pilot aims to evaluate FeedbackFruits alongside our existing PeerScholar provision to determine the best path forward for peer review at UCD. This decision was taken by the project steering group, comprised of representative members from across the University, including representatives from Teaching and Learning and ETAN (Educational Technology Advisory Network), and chaired by Gavin Stewart, VP of Teaching and Learning in Science.
UCD has chosen to implement two of FeedbackFruits' suite of tools: Peer Review and Group Member Evaluation. These tools will be piloted in modules where faculty express interest during the 2024/25 academic year. Following this pilot, the future of peer review at UCD will be decided.
FeedbackFruits was chosen for several reasons:
- User-friendliness
- Straightforward implementation
- Seamless integration with Brightspace
- Comprehensive support and training available
- Potential to increase usage of peer review and assessment across UCD
Group Member Evaluation Tool
- Promotes fair assessment of individual contributions in group work
- Enhances collaborative skills and accountability
- Provides valuable insights into team dynamics
- Encourages critical thinking among students
- Increases motivation, engagement, and deeper learning
Pilot
We are currently recruiting participants for the Spring pilot of FeedbackFruits. The Autumn pilot is ongoing, and feedback thus far has been positive. If you are interested in joining the Spring pilot or would like more information about using FeedbackFruits in your modules for the current 2023/24 academic year, please express your interest by contacting any of the project team members listed below. To sign up for the Pilot click on the link below in the 'Getting Started' section.
What participation involves:
- Piloting FeedbackFruits in your Spring module, enabling students to assess each other's work or provide evaluations of group members.
- Attending training and onboarding sessions or viewing recordings.
- Providing feedback to the project team on FeedbackFruits, including student feedback.
Benefits of participation:
- Access to an innovative peer review tool that integrates seamlessly with Brightspace.
- Opportunity to enhance your teaching and assessment practices.
- Contribute to shaping UCD's digital learning environment.
- Comprehensive training and ongoing support throughout the pilot.
- Potential to improve student engagement and peer learning outcomes.
- Spring pilot participants will have access to all information and support materials from the Autumn pilot, as well as dedicated onboarding for the Spring term.
If you require any additional information or have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact the project team.
Timeline
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January 2024
Review of current Peer Review/Assessment commences
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February 2024
Analysis of current provision and usage data with feedback from faculty and students
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April 2024
Report submitted to University Teaching and Learning Committee recommending to pilot a new tool
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May 2024
Steering group convened, chaired by Gavin Stewart, VP of Teaching and Learning in Science
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June 2024
Vendors responded to an issued request for quotation and Feedback Fruits selected
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August 2024
Recruitment for Pilot and train-the-trainer training for IT Services and interested Educational Technologists
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September 2024
Pilot scheduled to begin, training for pilot participants planned for September 5th 2024, training and support will be ongoing
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December 2024
Feedback collected from Autumn pilot participants
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January 2025
Spring pilot begins
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April 2025
Review of the tool, feedback from all participants analysed, and recommendation made for future of Peer Review/ Assessment to UTLC
Meet Our Project Team
Liam Fogarty
Senior Project Manager – Educational Technology Services
Justin Rowe
Senior It Specialist
Aoife MacCormac
Educational Technologist
Further Support
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UCD IT Services
Computer Centre, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.Contact us via the UCD IT Support Hub: www.ucd.ie/ithelp