TurnItIn is a tool that checks original work (essays, research papers and other written assignments) against a vast amount of previously published papers in the software's database. The company asserts that it is a similarity checker rather than a plagiarism checker. What this means for the faculty and students is that TurnItIn will pull up text that is similar to text within each source from which it was found. It is up to the instructor to determine if the similarity to existing published work (without citations) constitutes plagiarized work. However, it is up to the student to practice ethical writing and submit original work to TurnItIn. If the work is original or all words and ideas that belong to other authors are cited, then the student will likely not be guilty of committing plagiarism.
TurnItInnot only checks internal databases for similarity of content in research papers submitted by students but it also checks for similarity across the open web. Therefore, if a paper has ever been published on the web, and the content is utilized without proper attribution, the student will likely be caught
Professors use TurnItIn to ensure students submit original work. Similarity reports are generated upon receipt of the files as TurnItIn, like a web crawler, finds similarities in sentences and paragraphs. Borrowing a paper or purchasing one online (or offline) is just not worth the risk. If the paper has ever been uploaded, it can likely be discovered.
Actually, TurnItIn suggests that faculty provide their students with the originality reports from their submitted work. According to the company, this allows the students to see how they may have inappropriately used source materials or referenced content.
Sample Originality Report:
TurnItIn and Submitting Assignments:
Students ask if it is permissible to submit an assignment previously submitted to other classes. Not only is this not permissible, but if the assignment was originally submitted via TurnItIn and then again submitted via TurnItIn, the program will find the similarity to be as high as 100% (refer to the story board on self-plagiarism from Unit 1).
As a seasoned expert in the realm of academic integrity and plagiarism detection tools, I've delved deeply into the intricacies of platforms like TurnItIn. With a wealth of experience and a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter, I can shed light on the nuances of TurnItIn and its role in ensuring academic honesty.
TurnItIn, a widely used tool in educational institutions, is designed to meticulously examine original work such as essays, research papers, and various written assignments. Its primary function is to compare submitted content against an extensive database comprising previously published papers. The company emphasizes that TurnItIn serves as a similarity checker rather than a plagiarism checker, placing the responsibility on instructors to discern whether the detected similarities constitute plagiarism.
One key aspect highlighted by TurnItIn is its capability to identify similarities not only within its internal databases but also across the open web. This means that if a paper has been previously published online, utilizing its content without proper attribution can result in detection by TurnItIn. This feature underscores the tool's effectiveness in scrutinizing a broad spectrum of sources, discouraging students from resorting to unoriginal or improperly sourced material.
Professors leverage TurnItIn as a means to ensure students submit original work. Upon receiving files, TurnItIn generates similarity reports akin to a web crawler, meticulously identifying similarities in sentences and paragraphs. This process significantly reduces the likelihood of students successfully submitting work that is not their own, emphasizing the importance of academic honesty.
TurnItIn encourages faculty to share originality reports with students, providing them with insights into how they may have improperly used source materials or referenced content. This collaborative approach between instructors and students aims to foster ethical writing practices and enhance students' understanding of proper citation and attribution.
In addressing common queries from students, TurnItIn explicitly advises against submitting assignments previously submitted to other classes. Moreover, the tool flags instances of self-plagiarism, where an assignment is submitted again through TurnItIn, resulting in a high similarity percentage. This underscores the tool's ability to detect not only external sources but also instances of recycling one's own work.
In conclusion, TurnItIn stands as a robust tool in the academic landscape, employing advanced algorithms to detect similarities and promote originality. Its dual focus on internal databases and the open web reinforces its commitment to upholding academic integrity and discouraging plagiarism in all its forms. Students are urged to prioritize ethical writing practices, understanding that TurnItIn serves as a safeguard against academic dishonesty.
