Journal 3

"A War of Words”
By Jim Patterson
The Journal

This article discusses both the benefits and the drawbacks of plagiarism detection software and the controversy surrounding some applications. The Internet has dramatically increased incidences of plagiarism in our classrooms and educators and software developers are seeking to curtail the problem. Instead of having to wade through disorganized materials and having the cumbersome task of checking references physically, teachers can now employ software applications to assist them with this task that helps the process became more efficient. One of those programs is PaperTools Pro. (PTP) In addition to checking student sources, this application can also assist students in organizing their work and teach them proper research methods, including the difference between original works and plagiarizing.

There are critics of programs such as these. Charles Lowe, writing professor at Grand Valley State University is ironically one of those critics. One argument is that it sets up a policing type environment instead of teaching about the responsibilities and ethics of the process. These programs are not full proof and he feels that they can give teachers a false sense of security. There is also a concern that students can get around some of these issues fairly easily. Lowe especially has a concern about programs that include students’ work in a database. Other issues are that they don’t check books or subscriptions or representation of another’s ideas, which has always been a difficult issue to resolve.

I was impressed with Linda Miller’s method of teaching students the proper way to research. Instead of taking punitive measures after the fact, she effectively models how to conduct research and guides them through that process on a step-by-step basis. When she explains plagiarism to second graders, she draws a comparison to stealing.

John Barrie, the founder of Turnitin’s anti-plagiarism software feels that his application works best as a deterrent and has cut plagiarism rates by roughly 80%.

Questions:

1. Do you agree with the use of plagiarism detection software? I feel that as with technology in general, that these programs can be used as an effective tool, but they do not take the place of human intervention or the importance of doing a “reality check”. I would encourage their use if used as a tool and not as a sole means of reliance because it helps make the process more efficient. I also love the positive approach as demonstrated by librarian Linda Miller and the use of split screens and compare buttons to help students through the process. Technology is something that is constantly evolving and we need to join the effort for continuous improvement, not turn our backs to it because it’s not perfect.

2. How do you feel about the products that place student papers in a database to be compared against others?

Besides creating a distrustful environment, I am concerned about the use of these methods because it infringes upon the rights of the students and their intellectual property. I would not appreciate this kind of exposure to my original material. Kids are people too and deserve some respect! This, to me, is disrespectful.