Presented By: Lacey Roberts-Hill, New Mexico State University
Co-Authors: Fisher EasleySmith, New Mexico State University
Parker Greene, New Mexico State University

Peer feedback supports the learning process by providing an intermediate performance check, accompanied by feedback on strengths, weaknesses, and tips for improvement. In the classroom, peer feedback helps students become more self-aware and exposes them to different ways of approaching tasks. The evaluators gain knowledge by examining different examples or methods, and internalizing criteria and standards. To encourage deep reflection with peer feedback, we used the interactive platform, Flipgrid, as a resource for group evaluations. Flipgrid is an online educational platform designed as a social media space, where students can post videos and engage in discussion in response to set topics. Students in an agricultural communications photography course (N = 25) at [University] used Flipgrid as an assessment tool to provide peer critiques to designated photos. Our objectives included: 1) evaluating students' understanding of photo composition elements; 2) promoting discussion through positive and constructive attributes for photos; and 3) facilitating interactive and personalized learning using technology in photography. Students were tasked with assessing the quality of photos from classmates and using peer feedback techniques to suggest areas of improvement. Students were able to create video discussions while incorporating peers' images and other tools to help aid in their critique. Students described their experience using Flipgrid as “engaging”, and “unique”, and stated the platform provided many opportunities for individual exploration and support. Flipgrid creates a collaborative environment through the form of social media, and students said it was a fun alternative to traditional discussion. When implementing Flipgrid activities, we encourage ample instruction and practice time before asking students to complete videos review on their own. This will help build confidence and reinforce high quality peer feedback. We also recommend utilizing Flipgrid to reinforce connections between in person course content and online spaces where students can express content through diversified discussion.