Peer review of online learning and teaching

New technologies, new challenges

Abstract

This paper reports on a collaborative project led by the University of South Australia, which involves the design and develop a comprehensive, integrated Web-enabled peer review system that guides academic staff in the development or redevelopment of their own courses through reflective processes, and uses these same criteria to have their work evaluated. The project, which is funded by an Australia Learning and Teaching Council Grant, builds on extensive work that has been undertaken both within Australia and overseas in the development of peer review of online learning and teaching, which supports and stimulates the scholarship of online learning and teaching, and has the capacity to demonstrate quality learning and teaching through course development, evaluation, improvement and interactive learning. Evidence produced through such quality processes can be used by academic staff as evidence to support claims for recognition and reward.

The project commenced as a pilot in 2003 and has evolved in response to changing technologies and recognition of the need for a more adaptable system that enables academics to play a significant role in the creation of criteria and in contributing their own exemplars using a Web 2.0 approach. A major feature of the approach is its educative dimension, which is responsive to supporting online teaching and learning at a time when new Web 2.0 and 3D virtual learning technologies are presenting new challenges for educators. This paper describes the project and argues that online learning and teaching in this changing landscape is an emerging area of scholarship which needs to be supported and encouraged.