New Peer Review Feature in Harmonize Screenshot from Harmonize Learning Harmonize is a suite of digital tools available in Canvas that integrates discussion and interaction features. In July, Harmonize added Peer R…

 

Screenshot from Harmonize Learning

Harmonize is a suite of digital tools available in Canvas that integrates discussion and interaction features. In July, Harmonize added Peer Review!

What is Harmonize Peer Review?

Harmonize’s new peer review feature helps faculty manage peer feedback assignments inside Canvas without the usual headaches. It automates reviewer assignments, supports multiple due dates, and manages late work, while still centering authentic student-to-student interaction.

With Harmonize peer review, you can:

• Streamline logistics: Auto-assign reviewers, set multiple due dates, and handle late or missing work automatically.
• Enrich peer feedback: Students can respond with text, audio, video, or screen recordings, making comments more engaging and harder to replicate with AI.
• Foster dialogue: Harmonize encourages back-and-forth conversation between peer and peer reviewer after feedback is given.
• Guide quality with rubrics: Attach a rubric so peer feedback aligns with assignment criteria, giving students structure and clarity.

Key Considerations for Faculty

When setting up Harmonize peer review, think through the following:

1. Due Dates
• The LMS due date should be for the final peer comments, not just the draft.
• Consider whether drafts and reviews should have separate checkpoints to keep students on track.
2. Rubrics
• A rubric helps reviewers give meaningful, criteria-based feedback.
• Make sure rubric items focus on evaluating the draft (content, clarity, structure) rather than the review process itself.
3. Anonymity vs. Visibility
• Anonymous peer review can reduce bias and increase honesty.
• Visible names can build trust and accountability. 
• Choose what best suits your course culture.
4. Number of Reviews
• Too few = limited perspectives.
• Too many = student overload. 
• Balance the need for varied feedback with workload.
5. Student Readiness
• Students may need extra support in understanding what helpful feedback looks like.
• Consider modeling a review, providing examples, or doing a low-stakes “practice review” first.
6. Feedback Modality
• Text is standard, but audio or video responses can feel more personal and build community in asynchronous courses.
• Let students choose the modality that works best for them.
7. Transparency
• State clearly in your syllabus or assignment instructions how peer review will be graded.
• Remind students that everyone benefits from giving and receiving thoughtful feedback.

Harmonize peer review simplifies the logistics of a peer review assignment while allowing you to focus on helping students learn from each other through structured, authentic, and supportive feedback.

Learn more about Harmonize peer review with an interactive demonstration.