DO NOT QUOTE WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE AUTHORS Efficacy of Peer Feedback in Online Learning Environments

This exploratory study examined the use of an innovative instructional approach for online learning, peer feedback. While peer feedback has been demonstrated to support students’ learning in traditional classrooms (Mory, 2004; Topping, 1998), little is known about its efficacy in online environments. This study examined students ’ perceptions of the perceived value of giving and receiving peer feedback, specifically related to the quality of discussion postings, in an online course. In addition, we investigated the impact of that feedback by comparing the quality of students ’ postings, based on Bloom’s taxonomy, from pre- to post-course. Results suggest that the quality of students ’ postings was maintained through the use of peer feedback despite students ’ preferences for instructor feedback. Students noted that peer feedback can be valuable, and more importantly, described how giving peer feedback not only reinforced their learning, but enabled them to achieve higher understanding