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 approach 1. Written information Written information in handbook, public notices Signed student contract Assignment cover sheet 2. Pre course website with exercise plagiar.html 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 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.

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