Turnitin Helps Educators and Publishers Advance Critical Thinking with New AI Paraphrasing Detection Feature (ANZ)

Today, Turnitin, a leading provider of technology solutions in academic integrity, announced its AI paraphrasing detection feature. Integrated within Turnitin’s AI writing capabilities, the feature helps educators and publishers identify when AI paraphrasing tools may have been used to modify AI-generated text to avoid detection.

With the proliferation of generative AI tools, ensuring original critical thinking in education and research writing has become increasingly challenging. Writers, including students and researchers, may use AI paraphrasing to modify AI-generated text created by large language models, leading educators and publishers to believe that the work is original.

A recent study conducted by Tyton Partners* found that students continue to lead educators and administrators in their use of generative AI tools. Fifty-nine percent of students are regular users (monthly or more) compared to approximately 40 per cent of educators and administrators.

Turnitin's AI paraphrasing detection feature helps address this issue by identifying instances where AI paraphrasing may have been used to modify AI-generated text. The AI paraphrasing detection feature enables educators and researchers to initiate constructive conversations with writers about the importance of ethical writing practices and proper paraphrasing techniques.

“AI has incredible potential to benefit education, but writers need to be transparent in how they use Generative AI,” said Annie Chechitelli, chief product officer, Turnitin. “Applying AI paraphrasing to AI-generated content is likely a sign that the writer is trying to hide their use of AI, which is the opposite of transparency. Turnitin provides the tools and insights to preserve the value of original work."

James Thorley, regional vice president for Asia-Pacific, Turnitin, said, “Education and technology are today intertwined, and with that comes the need to strike the right balance between academic integrity and the increasing use of generative AI. The ability to empower educators and their invaluable experience to create an environment of transparency, that promotes original thinking and work while integrating the responsible use of generative AI tools, is foundational to find that balance.

In early 2023, Turnitin launched its AI writing detector and report, leveraging over 25 years of experience in understanding and safeguarding academic writing. Of the over 200 million papers reviewed* since the launch, Turnitin data shows:

• Over 22 million papers (approximately 11 per cent of over 200 million) have at least 20 per cent AI writing present**
• Over six million papers (approximately 3 per cent of over 200 million) have at least 80 per cent AI writing present**

Turnitin’s AI writing detection is part of Turnitin Originality, providing users with a seamless experience. iThenticate users can access it by licensing AI writing capabilities separately. When AI writing detection is enabled, including AI paraphrasing detection, it automatically checks each submission for both AI writing and AI paraphrasing. Turnitin’s AI paraphrasing detection feature highlights where within the submission a text spinner was likely applied to AI writing, giving insights into how the writing was constructed. It shows an overall percentage of the document that was likely AI-generated, including both a breakdown percentage of text that was likely AI-generated and text that was likely AI-generated and may have also been AI paraphrased.

Since its launch, Turnitin’s AI writing detection feature has supported academic integrity in an ever-changing educational landscape. It has been recognised by the 2024 Bett Awards in the “AI in education” category and named Best in Show by Tech & Learning at ISTE 2023.

To learn more about today’s announcement, please read, “AI Paraphrasing Detection: Strengthening the Integrity of Academic Writing.”

*Turnitin was a partner in providing compensation for, “Time for Class 2024: Unlocking Access to Effective Digital Teaching and Learning.”

**As of March 21, 2024.