Overview

Turnitin is an academic integrity tool that compares student documents against a reference database of documents and websites for possible plagiarism. In a Canvas assignment, instructors can choose to enable Turnitin to produce reports for grading evaluation and for students to use to improve their own writing.

Create a Turnitin Assignment

Get started by creating an assignment in Canvas that is configured to accept online submission including file uploads. Once this setting is selected the options for Plagiarism Review - Turnitin Originality appear. Step-by-step instructions are here: Using Turnitin with Canvas. Feel free to review the videos below as well.

Suggested Syllabus Text

It is advised that instructors using Turnitin mention this use in their syllabus so students are aware of the use of the tool, which will require accepting the Turnitin User Agreement. Turnitin advises a statement similar to this:

Students agree that by taking this course all required papers may be subject to submission for textual similarity review to Turnitin.com for the detection of plagiarism. All submitted papers will be included as source documents in the Turnitin.com reference database solely for the purpose of detecting plagiarism of such papers. Use of the Turnitin.com service is subject to the Usage Policy posted on the Turnitin.com site.

Direct Submit to Turnitin

In case a student turns in their work outside of Canvas, instructors can submit a document on behalf of a student to generate the Turnitin report: Turnitin Direct Submit Options.

AI Detection Report

On April 4, 2023, Turnitin introduced new AI writing detection capabilities into its similarity report. KU IT Educational Technology cautions instructors on how they may interpret this new score. Due to the rapidly developing field of AI-generative text, this score should not be used as the sole basis for action or grading and is best used as information to start further discussions with students about their writing. Learn more about this feature: Turnitin AI Detection

Turnitin Video Guides

Creating a Turnitin Assignment:

Opening and Reviewing a Similarity Report:

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