Use of Turn it in in the University of Sheffield EEE Department R.C. Tozer Head of teaching EEE

Outline History Using Turn it in Interpretation Sanctions Support and Guidance Conclusions

History increasing problems with cut and paste from web increasing problem with collusion very variable enthusiasm amongst staff for methodical detection led to uneven playing field

Using Turn it in used (by us) only for plagiarism / collusion detection key pieces of work in each year students responsible for submitting their own work department has appointed a plagiarism officer to manage the process

Interpreting Turn it in reports initial scan by plagiarism officer group of 4 or 5 staff advise on penalty – would include project supervisor for project work range of penalties time consuming contentious!

Sanctions plagiarism no action – tutor advice – advice letter – mark reductions (typically -2, -5, 10, -20) – see HOD – university discipline. collusion interview with HOD and year tutor to identify the nature of the interaction – ie who copied from whom, etc – followed by appropriate sanction as above

Support and guidance small group tutorial exercises extensive advice on referencing do some student groups have more of a problem than others?

Advice ( based on our experience) make sure staff agree… - which exercises to test - what constitutes unacceptable practice - on the relative seriousness of various infringements - on a small group who will scrutinise turn it in reports submit assignment paperwork before students submit their work thrash out conflicts in the small group – dont let them get to an examiners meeting create student guidance material

Concluding comments Plus very good at detecting collusion good at detecting lifted web material ineffective against copying from books offers a level playing field Minus we still need to interpret reports time consuming contentious will not detect copied artwork