Overview

Plagiarism checkers are good to not only check for plagiarism, but can be used as a teaching point for students by giving them feedback on their paraphrasing abilities. When you create an assignment with a file upload or text entry submission type, a plagiarism checker option will become available. When students go to submit their assignment, they will be notified that the assignment will be run through a checker before the assignment submits. It is a good idea to let students know their work will be ran through the Turnitin checker.

Note: This is just a checking tool, it does not assess grades. You can make grading judgements based upon the results.

Creating an Assignment Using Turnitin

Video reviewing how to use Turnitin

Instructions:

To create an assignment with Turnitin,

Go into your Canvas course and click on Assignments.
Click +Assignment .
Fill out the assignment title, description like you normally would when creating an assignment.

When you get the the Submission type, select Online from the dropdown.
Choose either Text Entry or File Upload submission type to open up Turnitin.

sub type.png

Image of submission type settings

Next, the plagiarism options will open.

Turnitin Settings

Image of Turnitin Settings

Select Turnitin from the dropdown.
Set your checker settings.

Finish setting up your assignment as usual and Save the assignment.

When students go to submit the assignment, they will receive a consent checkbox they must check before submitting (image below)

Agreement box

Image of student consent agreement confirmation

Grading Using Turnitin

Once your students submit their assignments and it is time for you to grade:

Open the assignment you want to grade.
Under Related Items on the right side, click SpeedGrader.

Image of Speedgrader button in assignment

SpeedGrader will open in a new tab. Click the colored percentage bubble on the right-hand grading section of Speedgrader.

Plagiarism score

The Turnitin Similarity Report will open in another new tab.

For more detail in using the Similarity report, please visit: TurnItin: Using the Similarity Report

Best Practices

Use your sandbox course (has your last name as part of the course name) and practice using Turnitin by creating an assignment and uploading an article so you understand the process before a real class.
Use Turnitin when for research papers or term papers.
Be familiar with departments policy with plagiarism and plan for how you will handle plagiarism issues.
Make sure to mention Turnitin in your syllabus if you plan on using it and direct students to resources if you choose to share with them the report.
Use Turnitin as a teaching point by letting students see the similarity report.

Additional Resources

VT4help Canvas Guide: Interpreting the similarity report