AI detection with Turnitin 

As of Nov. 17, 2023 

Warning about Turnitin:

• Turnitin's AI score is not reliable as AI tools vary widely in their ability to duplicate human writing.
• Turnitin's AI score can be misleading due to multiple factors. For Example:
  • Tools like Grammarly and Google Translate might be used appropriately by students, but Turnitin may flag them in the AI score.

    Know the difference between "Generative AI" and AI editing tools!

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• If you encounter a student's work that has a questionable AI score, it is highly recommended that you start a conversation with the student regarding the score, without direct accusations.
• Consult the Dean of Students office if you would like assistance with a student integrity issue.

Overview for Instructors:

• Although this new update to Turnitin seems to provide an answer to detecting student AI use, its reliability and ability to keep pace with AI advances have yet to be determined. 
• Please keep in mind that Turnitin provides this tool for estimating AI use, and should not be used as an infallible resource to accuse students of using AI inappropriately.
• At this point, we are only recommending that Turnitin's AI detection tool be used to raise your awareness of what AI might "look like" so that you can continue to consider its impact. Turnitin's documentation states, "...our model should give you a reliable guide to start conversations with the submitting student."
• For more info, read this Article on inequities of AI detection: 
  • “Programs to detect AI discriminate against non-native English speakers, shows study” - reporting by The Guardian on 10 July 2023, and as an open access journal article. 
  • The researchers “traced the discrimination to the way the detectors assess what is human and what is AI-generated.”
• The Normandale "AI Avenue" team will continue to provide resources for talking to students about AI, and/or adjusting assignments to generate authentic assessments.

Video demo & discussion with Kathleen Coate - April 14, 2023

What can Turnitin do that is reliable?

Turnitin's "Originality" checker is reliable as far as being able to cross-check references to online sources as well as Turnitin's "paper repository."

If you don't already have Turnitin enabled in D2L Assignments, download the PDF document in the "Attachments" section of this page for instructions.