Live peer marking for HCI design education

Abstract

The authors describe the use of Electronic Voting Systems for peer assessment of multimedia artifacts in order that students internalize the criteria for good visual design, usability, robustness and information architecture. Students present their artifacts, and mark each other's and previous cohorts' artifacts. We argue that the “live” nature of such peer evaluation causes a profound level of reflection in the understanding of the criteria as well as calibrating individuals' responses to those of their tutors and peers. We therefore believe it is likely to be even more effective than traditional peer assessment. We make tentative conclusions in terms of effect on student attainment as well as some suggestions of the cognitive processes triggered by such methods.