Using virtual and real spaces to enhance student learning experiences

Abstract

This paper presents an exploratory case study on the use of blogs for peer feedback in an undergraduate creative writing course. The study explores the feedback mechanism, to argue that timely feedback and peer interaction play an important part in the development of students’ writings and their ability to critically evaluate each others’ work. The study was designed to help students to improve their writing skills through peer feedback and also to help them overcome any anxieties with reading their work aloud in class. This qualitative case study is comprised of student feedback from the blogs and responses to a questionnaire. The paper seeks to suggest that blogs provided a ‘safe’ environment for the students to give and received feedback which in turn contributed towards the development of their writing ability.