How can wikis be used to hold students accountable during collaborative writing projects?

1. **Implement Revision History** Wikis maintain a detailed revision history. This enables instructors and peers to track who made which changes over time. Each student's contribution is documented, making it easier to assess individual accountability. 2. **Set Clear Contribution Guidelines** Establish expectations for each student's role in the project. For example, you might specify that at least \( C_i = 20\% \) of the total content should come from each member’s input. By clearly defining these targets, students can be held accountable for meeting their contribution requirements. 3. **Utilize Discussion Pages for Justification** Wikis often include discussion or talk pages where students explain their edits and rationale. This encourages transparency, as each contribution is not only visible in the content but also supported by reflective discussion. This practice can expose the thought process behind edits, further reinforcing accountability. 4. **Monitor Edit Frequency and Quality** Instructors can regularly review the edit history to verify that contributions are substantive. Combining frequency with quality—rather than just the number of edits—ensures that students are engaged with the content, not just making minor modifications to meet a quota. 5. **Encourage Peer Review** Have students review each other’s edits and contributions directly on the wiki. Peer feedback can reinforce accountability by highlighting effective collaboration and identifying any imbalances in participation. Peer evaluations can be integrated into the overall grading scheme. 6. **Use Version Comparison Tools** Most wikis offer side-by-side comparisons of different revisions. This feature helps in assessing how a document evolved and clarifies the impact of each student's work. This method ensures that every student’s input is properly scrutinized and recognized throughout the project.