Multimodal feedback is not always clearer, more useful or satisfying

Abstract

Feedback comments on summative assessment tasks are an important part of students’ learning experience. Recently, researchers have noted that digitally recorded comments can be beneficial for both students and educators. This paper compares the clarity, usefulness and satisfaction of digitally recorded and text-based feedback comments produced by 14 tutors in a large Master’s level Education unit. A sample of 164 students completed the online survey. Initial analysis of the data reveal mixed results. When secondary variables are accounted for and outliers discounted it is revealed that digitally recorded multimodal feedback processes, in general, can be clearer, more useful and more satisfying. However, it is also clear that using technology such as video is not a silicon bullet to improving feedback. Several potential factors are identified and are discussed in terms of micro- and meso-level contextual conditions that need to be further researched.