Creating feedback for students on online discussion boards using rubrics and a web server: Is technology enough?

Abstract

This paper written from the online student point of view examines the role of feedback in online learning. An action research approach is used to work with a group of online facilitators, using the discussion board environment. The initial discussion phase, leads into a phase of software development, and a web based feedback tool interfacing with WebCT is developed. The tool features user configurable rubrics to allow facilitators to assess student performance over a wide range of criteria. The tool is finally evaluated by the facilitators and recommendations made. The backdrop to this research involves a close examination of instructional design & learning theory, the role of discussion boards, feedback and the use of rubrics in the online classroom.