Plagiarism Detection
The potential for increasing cases of suspected plagiarism is a problem faced by all types of institutions in higher and further education.A working group of academic staff has been nominated to draft a policy on plagiarism and work on a pilot basis with the LTU in implementing an online plagiarism detection system which will integrate with the Blackboard VLE and provide an efficient and effective deterrent to digital plagiarism.This is essential in an environment where most research and writing is done electronically.
An online plagiarism prevention system called “Turnitin” has been selected to help ensure a level academic playing field for students. The detection software operates by checking submitted work against freely available internet sources and previously submitted work held in the service database. Based on this, an originality report with regard to plagiarism is produced.The report also highlights inadequate referencing and citation practice which is a benefit in itself.This can stimulate discussion on the reasons behind a student’s poor academic practice opening up a dialogue between lecturer and student on the whole issue of academic integrity.
This originality report is non-judgemental in that it does not distinguish between properly referenced and acknowledged quotations and unacknowledged information sources.Academic judgement is still required to determine whether plagiarism has, in fact, occurred.
Although plagiarism detection software is often viewed as a punitive measure, we would suggest that the Turnitin software be used as an educational tool to enhance student learning and responsibility along with preventing and deterring plagiarism.
