Online Learning from the Peers in Higher Education

Abstract

The main reason for the research is to find out what factors affect the student's participation and engagement to peer learning in the university's online course. Today's higher education has a strong foothold in learning theories and pedagogical approaches that focus on collaborative learning, networking and working with peers. Now when digital technology and eLearning platforms have established their place in the infrastructure of educational institutions, we should have the keys to implementing modern education in practice. The hypothesis of the article suggests that we do not yet know how to exploit the capabilities of modern learning technology in a way that students can learn from their colleagues, peers. The practical objective of this article is to create information for planning online courses and organizing weekly tasks. The research data for this paper was drawn up from two different online implementations of the single university course. Students conducted a Moodle-based survey in which they were asked about the pedagogical approach and tools of the course. One aspect of the research is to increase the understanding of the students' opinions of peer activities in an online course. The theoretical background of the research is based on theories of active learning and learning communities. The research data are also reflected in the scientific literature on peer learning and peer assessment. According to the results, students' opinions on peer learning are quite positive. Students are able to appreciate the learning opportunities offered by assignments and activities, which are open and visible to everyone during the course. Most of the students were not interested in peer assessment, but preferred feedback and grade produced by the teacher. Most of the students opposed the small group assignments of the online course. According to the data, students feared that their contribution was considered weak in the eyes of others in the course. The results of this document underline the need for further research into peer learning in higher education. Many strategies that utilize collaborative learning may be useful, but there are still questions about the individual needs, fears and motivation of peer learning. In addition, it would be important to find a way to strengthen mutual trust through online courses.