Experts: Plagiarism Programs Not Perfect at Detecting Pilfered Content

Because a quick mouse click can make plagiarism an easy-out option for students on deadline, companies have created software programs that claim to help instructors discover dishonestly applied discourse in assignments. However, a recent study of two programs by researchers at Texas Tech University found that two electronic eyes don't have the 20/20 vision they claim for seeing "borrowed" copy. Kathleen Gillis, director of the University Writing Center, and Susan M. Lang, director of first-year composition, headed a group to look into the pros and cons of two plagiarism detection services - Turnitin and Blackboard's service, SafeAssign. Their findings caused the team to seriously consider the benefits and liabilities of either program. The full story is available at /posts/2009/03/plagiarism-research/. BONUS FEATURES: To download broadcast-quality interviews or high-resolution photos: Windows: 1.      Go to My Computer 2.      At the address bar at the top, copy and paste the ftp address ftp://129.118.56.46 3.      Type in username: media, password: matador23 4.      The files should show up now and you can drag and drop to your desktop as needed. Mac: 1.      When you are at your desktop, click on Go at the top and then Connect to Server... 2.      Copy and paste ftp://129.118.56.46 3.      Type in username: media, password: matador23 4.      The files should show up now and you can drag and drop to your desktop as needed. Find Texas Tech news, experts and story ideas at www.media.ttu.edu. CONTACT: Kathleen Gillis, director, University Writing Center, Texas Tech University, (806) 742-2500 ext. 282, or kathleen.gillis@ttu.edu, Susan Lang, director of first-year composition, (806) 742-2500 ext. 272, or susan.lang@ttu.edu.