Tackling plagiarism: the role of Turnitin and WebCT

Dr Heather Roberts Course Director, Master of Public Health

The problem

Cases of plagiarism

Identified / unidentified

Intentional or unintentional

Culture of using quotes varies

Rationale for the approach used

“This information / these activities are intended to support you by learning/reinforcing key academic conventions, not to catch you out….”

You need to find out how to protect yourself

We – and you - need to protect the value of your degree

Multi-facetted 2007- 08 approach

1. Written information

Written information in handbook, public notices Signed student contract Assignment cover sheet

2. Pre course website with exercise http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/research/r_plagiar.html

3. Verbal information Preparation for first assessment Written

information in handbook, public notices Induction week : session on academic integrity

Use of Turnitin

Part of academic integrity induction sessionReal (anonymised) example shown

First assessment Optional : students submitted draft via WebCT

for own information – 24 hour limit

Compulsory : students submitted final version via WebCT for staff scrutiny. No submission, no mark.

Practical lessons learned

Using Turnitin is easier to use with WebCT (eg setting time limits)

Staff can’t see the student view of Turnitin on WebCT (I could see all draft submissions – panic!) but student sees only their own – very confusing

Had to give longer time for all students to have a chance to test draft – access to WebCT problems….

Quick to eyeball final texts that may have been suspect (exclude quotes, bibliography)

Student compliance and response

Anecdotal : students appreciated being able to do this and learned from the activity

No opposition

Most were able to follow my written instructions about submitting on WebCT

Most students used the opportunity to check their draft

Queries to me, mainly from international students

Most submitted final version quickly

Next year

Repeat process ….. but students to test any of their own written text earlier – reduce anxiety

A course / School / University policy Reluctant to have all course work

submitted to Turnitin Reserve the right to ask for electronic

copies and spot check as stated on their contract and in the handbook