The document summarizes a research study that examined using mobile technologies like iPads to enhance formative assessment and peer review among undergraduate students. The study involved 140 students across 5 teaching groups who used apps like Notability, eClicker, and Socrative to provide peer feedback on assignments. The research found that student engagement in peer review increased significantly when using iPads. Students also became more critical reflectors on the assessment process and technology. However, students felt receiving peer feedback had less impact on their work than giving feedback. The study provided considerations for managing devices and ensuring student needs are met when using educational technology.

1. Enhancing the formative assessment environment through the
use of mobile technologies

2. The Research
• An 8 month practitioner research study;
• A collaboration between tutors (Anita and Ian), second year
undergraduate students and the Technology Enhanced
Learning (TEL) Adviser (Daniel);
• Focus on enhancing peer review and feedback.
Research questions
• Could the use of mobile technology applications enhance the
peer-review and feedback process?
• Could a practitioner-research approach enhance the students’
pedagogical awareness and engagement with peer-review
and feedback?

3. Year 2 student teacher
science module
group assessments
Science-themed
school assembly
30 min science
lesson
Science-themed
classroom
display
Group
feedback, reflection
and self-assessment
with tutor
Peer review Peer review Peer review

4. Organisation
• 140 student participants in 5 teaching groups
• 20 iPads
• Notability , eClicker and Socrative applications pre-
installed on the iPads
Data was collected and analysed from observation and
discussion notes and questionnaires across the period
of the study.

5. Year 2 student teacher
science module
group assessments
Science-themed
school assembly
30 min science
lesson
Science-themed
classroom
display
Group
feedback, reflection
and self-assessment
with tutor

10. An image is taken of the display and
imported into Notability ready to be
annotated.
After annotation the file is saved as
a pdf and exported to Dropbox.

16. Year 2 student teacher
science module
group assessments
Science-themed
school assembly
30 min science
lesson
Science-themed
classroom
display
Group
feedback, reflection
and self-assessment
with tutor

18. eClicker Socrative
User friendly Facility for open-ended
questions
Immediate analysis and
presentation of results
Cross-platform technology –
iOS , Android and Windows
mobile
Potential for anonymous
feedback
Potential for anonymous
feedback
£10.49 for eClicker presenter Web interface
Exportable Exportable
Voting applications

21. Year 2 student teacher
science module
group assessments
Science-themed
school assembly
30 min science
lesson
Science-themed
classroom
display
Group
feedback, reflection
and self-assessment
with tutor

22. Findings
• Students’ level of engagement with peer review and
feedback increased significantly when using the iPads
(100% engagement when iPads were used);
• The students became critical reflectors of the technology
and of the peer assessment process;
• The students valued the impact that giving feedback had
on their own assessment attitudes and practice – they
became more reflexive;
• However, the students felt that receiving peer feedback
had less impact on the quality of their own work.

23. Considerations
• The ownership model for management and deployment
of the iPads has an impact on usability in the classroom;
• The quality of wifi connection has a significant impact on
the time it takes to provide feedback and this in turn
impacts on the level of student engagement;
• It is important to listen to student feedback about how
well they feel the technology is meeting their needs;
• In order to foster critical engagement with the
technology, it is important for all the users to be given
time to explore and investigate the hardware and
applications.

24. Evaluating the session

25. Questions

26. References and acknowledgements
Big Nerd Ranch (2012) eClicker Presenter (version 1.0.13) [Mobile application software] Available from:
http://itunes.apple.com [Accessed 30 September 2012]
Big Nerd Ranch (2012) eClicker Audience (Version 1.0.4) [Mobile application software] Available from:
http://itunes.apple.com [Accessed 30 September 2012]
Gingerlabs (2012) Notability (Version 4.42) [Mobile application software] Available from:
http://itunes.apple.com [Accessed 30 September 2012]
Socrative (2013) Socrative Teacher [Mobile application software] Available from http://www.socrative.com
[Accessed 15 March 2013]
Socrative (2013) Socrative Student [Mobile application software] Available from http://www.socrative.com
[Accessed 15 March 2013]
Many thanks to Abi Sowerby, Naomi Richardson, Louise Connelly, Beth Millar, Mollie Benefer, Bryony
Cunningham, Rachel Rawcliffe and Nicole King for allowing us to show their work.