Plagiarism Detection and Prevention

 

What plagiarism detection software is available to online instructors?

Online tools like plagiarism checkers, video proctoring, lockdown browsers and IP tracking can't stop academic dishonesty but can be used to keep students from cheating (Haynie, 2014). Turnitin.com is a common plagiarism detection tool used by instructors however, others include plagiarism checker and Safe Assign (which is used by my current institution).

How can the design of assessments help prevent academic dishonesty?

The design of assessments can help to create authentic learning experiences and thus eliminating academic dishonesty. With this being so, authentic learning experiences can be created by reducing the number of assessments assigned. Rather than assigning one big learning assessment, instructors can assign other activities throughout the course to assess learner knowledge. Students will feel less pressured, more prepared and less likely to feel the need to cheat. Meaningful learning experiences will also be created. 

What facilitation strategies do you propose to use as a current or future online instructor?

Students who are determined to cheat will find creative ways to do so in any course delivery format. However, as a future online instructor, I propose to use the following facilitation strategies that would support me in preventing plagiarism and cheating:

1. Help students to recognize the value of authentic academic work and model academic integrity

2. Highlight the consequences for cheating and dishonest behavior

3. Create lower incentives for cheating and

4. Make it more difficult to cheat (Strategies to address cheating, n.d.). 

Reference 

Haynie, D. (2014). Think twice before cheating in online courses. U.S. News & World Report. Retrieved on June 16, 2016 from: http://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/articles/2014/06/17/think-twice-before-cheating-in-online-courses

Strategies to address cheating in online courses. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://teaching.pitt.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Instructional_Contiunuity-Strategies_to_Address_Cheating_Online.pdf.