How does peer assessment help MOOCs handle large numbers of student assignments?

In the context of distance learning, MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) face the significant challenge of grading assignments for tens of thousands of students. While many courses utilize automated computer marking for science-based subjects, this approach is often unsuitable for the arts and humanities.1

To address this, MOOCs deploy peer learning and grading strategies, where students from around the world provide comments and assessments on each other's work. This method leverages Web 2.0 technologies and global social networks to manage high volumes of submissions that would otherwise be impossible for a limited number of instructors to grade.12

Beyond managing grading volume, the peer framework serves an additional pedagogical purpose: it helps mitigate the sense of isolation and lack of motivation that some students experience due to the absence of traditional face-to-face contact with lecturers and tutors. However, critics often cite this reliance on peer assessment as a potential concern regarding the quality control and consistency of education within the MOOC model.1