PLAGIARISM – DON’T DO IT!!! A presentation of the MdN LRTC Mrs. Sheila Walrath, Media Specialist

A presentation of the MdN LRTC Plagiarism: What is it? List as many examples of plagiarism as you can think of.

A presentation of the MdN LRTC Plagiarism…what is it? Based on the examples you brainstormed, what is your definition of plagiarism? Here’s Webster’s definition Plagiarism Plagiarism (After you view the above link, use the back button of your browser to return to this presentation.)

A presentation of the MdN LRTC Plagiarism can also be defined as… cheating or deception. If you attempt to use another person's work as if it were your own, without adequate acknowledgement of the original source; and if this is done in work that you submit for a grade then you are attempting to deceive your teacher, your parents, or anyone reading the paper. In other words, plagiarism is cheating and it is deceitful in that you are trying to claim the credit for something that is not your work.

A presentation of the MdN LRTC Why is plagiarism wrong? * If you plagiarize, you are cheating yourself. You don't learn to write out your thoughts in your own words, and you don't get specific feedback geared to your individual needs and skills. Plagiarism is dishonest because it misrepresents the work of another as your own. *Unintentional plagiarism is still cheating.

A presentation of the MdN LRTC Is it really such a big problem? According to the website Plagiarism.orgPlagiarism.org “Recent studies indicate that approximately 30 percent of all students may be plagiarizing on every written assignment they complete.”

A presentation of the MdN LRTC Catching the plagiarist The internet has made plagiarism easier with access to term paper mills, search engines, encyclopedias, etc. In response, websites have been developed which help teachers analyze papers and develop strategies to prevent plagiarism. Some sites are:

A presentation of the MdN LRTC Guidelines for avoiding plagiarism Use your own words and ideas. Give credit for copied, adapted, or paraphrased material. Avoid using others' work with minor "cosmetic" changes. There are no "freebies." Beware of "common knowledge."

A presentation of the MdN LRTC Guidelines for avoiding plagiarism Use your own words and ideas. This is a skill that improves with practice. It requires an under- standing of the topic It requires that you give yourself credit for your own abilities.

A presentation of the MdN LRTC Guidelines for avoiding plagiarism Give credit for copied, adapted, or paraphrased material. If you repeat another's exact words, you MUST use quotation marks and cite the source. If you adapt a chart or paraphrase a sentence, you must still cite. Paraphrase means that you restate the author's ideas, meaning, and information in your own words WHEN IN DOUBT, CITE.

A presentation of the MdN LRTC Guidelines for avoiding plagiarism Avoid using others' work with minor "cosmetic" changes. Examples: using "less" for "fewer," reversing the order of a sentence, changing terms in a computer code, or altering a spread sheet layout. If the work is essentially the same, give credit. WHEN IN DOUBT, CITE.

A presentation of the MdN LRTC Guidelines for avoiding plagiarism There are no "freebies." ALWAYS cite words, information, and ideas you use if they are new to you (learned in your research). No matter where you find it – even in an encyclopedia or on the Internet – you cite it. WHEN IN DOUBT, CITE.

A presentation of the MdN LRTC Guidelines for avoiding plagiarism Beware of "common knowledge." You don't have to cite "common knowledge, “ BUT the fact must really be commonly known. That George Washington was the first U.S. president is common knowledge; That George Washington was an expert dancer is not common knowledge WHEN IN DOUBT, CITE.

A presentation of the MdN LRTC How do I cite the sources? If you wish to avoid accusations of plagiarism, you must cite your sources properly. Several websites exist which can help you. We suggest that you follow the examples listed in your school’s website.

A presentation of the MdN LRTC In conclusion, don’t get paranoid But when you present a work for a grade: It must be entirely your own work, written by you in your own words, and containing your own interpretations, ideas, approaches etc. It must state clearly where you got other people's words or major ideas. It must state clearly where you got your charts, diagrams, photos, graphics, and media (including sound, video and digital images.

A presentation of the MdN LRTC Plagiarism Trying to claim the credit for something that is not your work. PLAGIARISM – DON’T DO IT!!!

A presentation of the MdN LRTC Recommended Resources idingPlagiarism.html

A presentation of the MdN LRTC Sources Cited “Avoiding Plagiarism.” Virtual Writing Center. 8 August “Avoiding Plagiarism: Mastering the Art of Scholarship.” UCDavis Student Judicial Affairs August Plagiarism.org. 8 August