Summary
This article explains how to create a Turnitin assignment in Canvas using the Document Processing App option. When a student submits work, Canvas sends that work to Turnitin. Turnitin processes the submission by running Similarity (plagiarism) and Originality (AI) review, then returns the reports to Canvas.
Things to Know
Using the Document Processing option allows:
- Turnitin to be added to standard Canvas assignments.
- Instructors to grade and access Turnitin reports within SpeedGrader.
Sharing Reports
- Only the Similarity Report can be automatically shared with students.
Steps 1: Create a Canvas Assignment
Click + Assignment, enter the assignment details (name, instructions, points, etc.), then from the Submission Type dropdown menu, choose Online.
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Step 2: Set the Online Entry Options
From the Online Entry Options, choose Text Entry or File Uploads; these are the only two types compatible with Turnitin.
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A Note About Availability Dates
Turnitin assignment availability dates are determined by Canvas assignment settings.
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Step 3: Add Document Processing App
- From Document Processing App(s), choose Add Document Processing App.
- Select Turnitin.
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Step 4: Review Turnitin Settings
- Review the Turnitin Settings.
- Click Save.
Similarity Report Options
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Important: If Allow students to view report after submitting is not selected, the setting cannot be changed after a student has submitted the assignment.
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Best Practice: Enable exclusion options to improve similarity scoring
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Step 5: Save & Publish the Canvas Assignment
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Similiarity Report Exclusion Options Explained
- Bibilographic Materials: Turnitin uses an algorithm that detects headers (e.g., "References", "Bibliography", "Works Cited") and excludes the text within that section.
- Quoted Materials: Turnitin ignores text surrounded by double quotation marks.
- Small Matches: Short, common phrases or bibliographic matches (often under 8–10 words) that create high, insignificant similarity percentages.