Turnitin - Creating Assignments SpeedGrader Workflow

Summary

This article explains how to create a Turnitin assignment in Canvas using the Document Processing App option.

Body

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.

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.

Screenshot of create assignment button

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.

Screenshot of Submission Type and Online Entry Options

A Note About Availability Dates

Turnitin assignment availability dates are determined by Canvas assignment settings. 

Screenshot of availability dates

Step 3: Add Document Processing App

  • From Document Processing App(s), choose Add Document Processing App
  • Select Turnitin.

Screenshot of Document Processing app menu.

Screenshot of Turnitin as a Document Processing App

Step 4: Review Turnitin Settings

  • Review the Turnitin Settings
  • Click Save.

Similarity Report Options

  • Important: If Allow students to view report after submitting is not selected, the setting cannot be changed after a student has submitted the assignment.
  • Best Practice: Enable exclusion options to improve similarity scoring
Screenshot of Turnitin Settings

Step 5: Save & Publish the Canvas Assignment

Screenshot of Save & Publish button

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.

Details

Details

Article ID: 78
Created
Mon 4/13/26 9:22 AM
Modified
Wed 4/22/26 9:41 AM

Related Articles

Related Articles (1)

This article explains how students view grades, instructor feedback, and Similarity Reports in Canvas.

Related Services / Offerings

Related Services / Offerings (1)

Turnitin is an academic integrity tool that helps evaluate the originality of student submissions. It generates Similarity and Originality scores by comparing submitted work against a vast database of academic content, websites, and publications. These scores serve as indicators that may suggest potential plagiarism or improper use of AI tools.