Plagiarism is an aspect of education that has always been a variable to be accounted for and, depending on what the future brings, it may always be. As a classroom teacher, I am all too familiar with plagiarism and the role that it plays in the academic journey of many students. As an inspiring instructional designer and college instructor, it is even more important that I learn the most effective ways of combatting plagiarism, while also helping student’s that choose to do so, understand the damage that they are actually doing to themselves.

In post -secondary educational settings, you have the advantage of the majority, if not all, work being submitted in a digital format of some kind; this allows for the use of highly efficient plagiarism detection software suites. Two of the more reliable programs available are:

*EVE (Essay Verification Engine)- Located at http://www.canexus.com/, EVE is touted as a faster and more efficient program for identifying plagiarism within digital documents; it requires a one-time fee of $29.99 for an unlimited use license

*Turnitin.com- This site not only offers best in class functionality, but it also provides feedback on submitted work and the opportunity for peer review; it published works database covers millions of documents and sources

Plagiarism detection software assists in catching plagiarism after it has taken place, but a more effective method, some would argue, is to take preventative measures. When designing both formative and summative assessments, instructors should make sure to create a tool that challenges the student in a way that they not only demonstrate their subject matter knowledge, but demonstrate it in a way that is individualized and personal. Instructors should also take care not to constantly recycle the same exact assessments over and over again, which may lead to “hand-me-down” assignments. Taking the time to thoughtfully plan out and create assessments using tactics such as these can go a long way to discourage plagiarism.

If I should ever find myself in the role of an online instructor I would have to create and refine a strategic plan to discourage, detect and deal with plagiarism amongst my student’s. I believe that being a “visible” and accessible instructor will help curb the incidences of plagiarism that I will encounter. As an instructor I would make sure to monitor and interact with students in discussion boards and forums in order to build a rapport with my students. People are less likely to betray someone that they trust and respect. I will also make sure to be very accessible; people may cheat when they do not fully understand the material that they are covering and being available to assist with comprehension prior to assessment may help to curb plagiarism. Additionally, online professors should make sure to properly review expectations regarding original work, plagiarism and cheating; make sure to provide educational resources to assist students with work and to make sure that every student is aware of the consequences of plagiarizing the work of others.