Integrating communities of practice in e-portfolio assessment: Effects and experiences of mutual assessment in an online course

This study investigated the effects and experiences of a mutual assessment framework (CoPf) in an online graduate course at a mid-west university. CoPf was integrated into the course structure as an innovative application of the standard e-portfolio assessment tool. Using a mixed method, the study first explored the effects of CoPf compared to the standard e-portfolio in relation to the promotion of revisions to students' work, students' final course grades, and interactions both between the students and the instructor and among students. Qualitative analysis was then conducted to inquire the students' experiences in the CoPf course and how they perceived these experiences. Findings from the data analysis were presented and the contributions/implications of the study were discussed.