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Tackling plagiarism: the role of Turnitin and WebCT

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.

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Tackling plagiarism: the role of Turnitin and WebCT

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  1. Tackling plagiarism: the role of Turnitin and WebCT Dr Heather Roberts Course Director, Master of Public Health

  2. The problem Cases of plagiarism • Identified / unidentified • Intentional or unintentional • Culture of using quotes varies

  3. 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

  4. Multi-facetted 2007- 08 approach • Written information • Written information in handbook, public notices • Signed student contract • Assignment cover sheet • Pre course website with exercise http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/research/r_plagiar.html • Verbal information • Preparation for first assessment Written information in handbook, public notices • Induction week : session on academic integrity

  5. Use of Turnitin Part of academic integrity induction session Real (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.

  6. 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)

  7. 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

  8. 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

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