Numerous instructors utilize Canvas to develop interactive, online learning platforms for their pupils. A commonly used feature in Canvas is the peer review tool. This enables students to assess and offer helpful criticism on one another’s assignments, encouraging involvement and reciprocal learning. In this post, we will guide you on how to conduct peer reviews on Canvas.
Step 1: Accessing the Assignment
To begin the peer review process on Canvas, you’ll first need to access the specific assignment that’s been set up for peer review. Once you log in to Canvas, navigate to your course and then select “Assignments” from the course navigation menu. This will take you to a page where you can see all available assignments, including those set up for peer review.
Step2: Accessing Peer Review
Canvas makes it easy to see which assignments require peer reviews. Under the particular assignment, you’ll find a section named “Peer Reviews”. Click on the link “Show Peer Reviews” to view the reviews you’ve been assigned.
Step3: Conducting the Peer Review
After clicking on “Show Peer Reviews”, you’ll be taken to the submission of the student you’re assigned to review. Read through their work, making sure to note any strengths and areas for improvement.
The way you submit your review will depend on the assignment’s format. For file uploads like PDFs or Word documents, Canvas provides a tool called DocViewer. With this, you can leave comments directly on the document.
// Here's an example of how you might use DocViewer: // To leave a comment on a specific part of the document, click on the point annotation button in the toolbar at the top of the screen. Then click on the area of the document where you want to leave a comment. A text box will appear where you can type your comment. // To highlight a section of the document, click on the highlight button in the toolbar. Then click and drag over the text you want to highlight. Once you've made a highlight, you can also add a comment to it.
If the assignment is a text entry or URL, you’ll be able to leave your comments in the “Comments” box on the right side of the screen.
Step4: Submitting the Review
Once you’ve finished your review, you can submit it by clicking on the “Save” button. If you’re not ready to submit, you can also choose to “Save Draft”. This allows you to come back to your review and finish it at a later time.
After you submit your review, both your instructor and the student you’re reviewing will be able to see your comments. Keep in mind that in some courses, you may also be able to see other students’ reviews of the same work.
Conclusion
Conducting a peer review on Canvas is a straightforward process that helps promote learning and collaboration. It’s a great way to learn from your peers and receive constructive feedback on your work. By following this step-by-step guide, you’ll be able to conduct effective and meaningful peer reviews in Canvas.
