Turnitin is text similarity checking software used by universities worldwide to educate students about using sources with integrity and to deter plagiarism. This module will explain why assessment is important for learning, how you can use Turnitin’s features to improve your academic writing and make the best use of the feedback your lecturers give you.  

Plagiarism is not a trap to avoid — you don’t need to worry about plagiarism if you are aware of how to use sources well and acknowledge them correctly. This module complements the Academic Integrity & Plagiarism module, and we recommend you complete both.  

It is not a technical guide to using Turnitin. For technical information on using Turnitin see the excellent guides available under the Help > Turnitin section on Blackboard.

Contents

1 Landing page

2 Learning outcomes

3 Focus on assessment 

4 Focus on Turnitin 

5 Interpreting a Turnitin similarity report 

6 Focus on feedback 

7 Assess your learning

8 Reflect and feedback

9 Extend your learning

Author: Emma Scanlan
Co-created by: Claudia España
Last updated: February 2021

With thanks to Oxford Brookes University Centre for Academic Development for permission to reproduce elements of their Turnitin guidance wording, from here & here.