University Information and Technology

Turnitin AI Detection Disabled

By: Academic Technologies

Posted on: September 14, 2023

In April 2023, Turnitin enabled a new feature in their Feedback Studio originality checking platform.

The feature is an artificial intelligence (AI) detector that aims to help instructors identify potential AI-generated passages. It provides instructors with a score based on Turnitin’s best guess indicating the likelihood of AI-generated passages in student submissions. This score is not visible to students.

After several months of using and testing the feature, in consultation with the Center for Teaching and Learning and Ecampus, UIT Academic Technologies disabled AI detection from our Turnitin instance on September 13, 2023. No other Turnitin Feedback Studio features were changed.

Frequency of False Positives

Instances of incorrect identification posed a challenge and required further examination.
Disproportionate Impact on Non-Native English Speakers

False positives were particularly prevalent among students whose first language was not English, resulting in an unfair burden on this specific group.
Lack of Transparent Methodology

Turnitin's AI detection methodology lacked comprehensive documentation. In an era where generative AI technology is rapidly advancing, it is imperative that detection methods are well-documented and adaptable.

University Information and Technology

Turnitin AI Detection Disabled

By: Academic Technologies

Posted on: September 14, 2023

Frequency of False Positives

Disproportionate Impact on Non-Native English Speakers

Lack of Transparent Methodology

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