Students' Engagement in Anonymous Peer Review: Using the Open-Source Sakai Platform

TL;DR

This study investigates how anonymous peer review via the Sakai platform enhances student engagement, autonomy, competence, and relatedness in large, remote classes, offering a viable feedback method during pandemic conditions.

Contribution

It demonstrates that anonymous peer review on Sakai improves student empowerment, work quality, and peer learning, contributing empirical evidence to peer review and online education literature.

Findings

Anonymous peer review increased perceived autonomy and competence.

Students learned from peers and improved their work quality.

The Sakai platform offers a viable remote feedback alternative during crises.

Abstract

There is a need to provide quality education without discrimination or prejudice to all students. However, there are challenges in implementing quality education in large classes, especially during remote learning. Literature indicates that providing lecturer feedback can become a tedious task, especially in large classes. Literature states that involving students in the peer review process can improve the quality of their submissions. This research used a case study and thematic analysis. Qualitative data were collected from 179 third-year Information Systems students who used the Opensource Sakai Platform. Students reviewed another student's report, without knowing their identity. The research used self-determination theory as a theoretical basis. The achievement of perceived autonomy is supported as an anonymous peer review helped students to empower themselves. Perceived competence was also achieved as the anonymous peer review improved the quality of work submitted and the development of workplace skills. Perceived relatedness is supported as students indicated that the anonymous peer review allowed them to learn from their peers. It also improved their understanding and the ability to see errors in their work. Despite the negative aspects identified using the Sakai platform, it may provide a viable alternative for providing feedback remotely, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.