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Turnitin in D2L: Faculty Information Sheet

Turnitin in D2L: Faculty Information Sheet

Turnitin is an integrated tool within the D2L Dropbox settings that helps faculty assess academic integrity by checking student submissions for similarity to existing sources. While Turnitin can provide valuable insights, it is important to understand its capabilities and limitations to use it effectively.

Capabilities of Turnitin

  • Similarity Detection: Compares submissions against a vast database of academic papers, websites, and student work.

  • Grading & Feedback Integration: Allows faculty to provide feedback directly within D2L’s Dropbox.

  • Customization Options: Faculty can adjust settings to allow resubmissions, exclude bibliographies, and determine matching parameters.

Limitations of Turnitin

  • Does Not Prove Misconduct: A high similarity score does not automatically indicate plagiarism, just as a low score does not guarantee originality.

  • AI Detection is Not Absolute: AI-generated writing detection is still evolving and can produce false positives or negatives. Due to this, Lambton College does not have this capability included with their licensed version of Turnitin.

  • Cannot Detect All Forms of Academic Dishonesty: Paraphrased work without proper citation may not be flagged, and external unauthorized assistance is beyond its scope.

  • Context Matters: Faculty must review reports critically, considering assignment structure, citation practices, and educational intent.

Best Practices for Faculty

  • Educate Students on Academic Integrity: Discuss proper citation, paraphrasing, and the importance of originality.

  • Use Reports as a Discussion Tool: Encourage students to review their reports and learn from feedback.

  • Avoid Setting a Percentage Threshold: There is no definitive minimum percentage that constitutes an academic integrity infraction; decisions should be based on holistic academic judgment.

  • Customize Settings Based on Assessment Goals: Adjust Turnitin settings to align with the intended learning outcomes and evaluation methods.

  • Review Reports Carefully: Look beyond the percentage and analyze the source matches for meaningful assessment.

For further guidance, faculty can contact the Teaching Innovation & Learning Support Services team for support on effective use of Turnitin in D2L.