Plagiarism and the Internet: Fears, Facts, and Pedagogies

Abstract

Despite widespread fears about the Internet as a cause of or contributor to plagiarism, no empirical research demonstrates that relationship. These fears that the Internet has facilitated and accelerated the number of cases of student plagiarism are incorrect. Scholarship on the topic indicates the complexity of writing in the online environment. The fact is that writing with sources, especially sources found on the Internet, is difficult, sophisticated work. This chapter demonstrates the limitations of and alternatives to automated plagiarism-detecting software as a response to online plagiarism. Rather, pedagogies that mentor students' critical reading practices are an important part of preventing online plagiarism.