Overview
Turnitin is an originality feedback tool used to facilitate the submission of original writing by students. Turnitin similarity detection works by comparing the text of a submitted assignment to other written work, including published material and past student submissions stored in Turnitin’s database. Students and instructors can view a Similarity Report to review text that is flagged as being similar to, or matching other sources.
Primary Benefits
- Allows instructors to check for possible instances of plagiarized or unoriginal text in a student’s submission.
- Gives students the opportunity to review their Similarity Report and make improvements to their writing.
Pricing
Turnitin is paid for by the University. It is available to instructors and students at no cost.
Getting Started
Turnitin is available for all courses on Bruin Learn. Instructors can create a Turnitin assignment by:
- Creating a new assignment by clicking “Assignments” in the left-hand course navigation, then the “+ Assignment” button.
- In the assignment settings under the “Plagiarism Review” section, select “Turnitin-BruinLearn”.
Best Practices for Using Turnitin in Your Course
Before using Turnitin for a course, there are a few measures instructors can take to better leverage the tool and maximize student success.
Inform your students
- Avoid making assumptions about students’ understanding of plagiarism. By educating students on plagiarism, how to prevent it, and the importance of academic integrity, you help prevent unintentional plagiarism and better prepare students.
- Let your students know you plan on using Turnitin, and what you plan on measuring with the tool.
Be Aware of Campus Resources
- Familiarize yourself with UCLA institutional and departmental policies regarding academic misconduct and plagiarism. Plagiarism and Student Copyright.
- Know where to report suspected cases of academic dishonesty
Using Turnitin with Your Assignments
- Turnitin is integrated with Bruin Learn. See this guide on enabling Turnitin for a Bruin Learn assignment.
- Accessing the Similarity Report
- Understanding the Similarity Report
Additional Resources for Instructors
LTI Scope Definitions
- Campuswide - LTI tools are available in any Bruin Learn course.
- Sub-account - LTI tools have limited availability. These are often requested and funded by specific divisions, departments, or courses. These LTIs can be found by filtering via Status = "Available at a Cost."
LTI Status Definitions
- Requested - Requested tools are in the earliest phases for inclusion in Bruin Learn. This phase includes learning more about the functionality, supplier, costs, support options, existing campus or UC licensing agreements, etc.
- In Review - The LTI tool is undergoing review by multiple stakeholders, including software advisory workgroups, security, accessibility, funding, data use and privacy, and UCLA Purchasing.
- On Hold - The LTI tool process is on hiatus for any number of reasons, including: remediation of accessibility, security, data use and privacy concerns; identifying available funding sources; negotiations with the supplier; re-consideration of the original need, etc.
- Approved - The LTI tool process has been approved and preparation for installation is underway. Prior to availability, post-approval work may include resolving technical integration issues, developing training, etc.
- Available - The LTI tool process is installed and available for general use in Bruin Learn.
- Available at a cost - The LTI tool has been reviewed and approved and is available for purchase by units requiring the functionality the tool provides.
- Contact ASUCLA Bookstore - Publisher-related LTI tools are obtained through the ASUCLA Bookstore.