Ease, Moodle assignment submission and Turnitin

USQ has made available for use by its lecturing staff some of the latest electronic systems and software: EASE, Moodle Assignment Submission and Turnitin. These will assist both staff and students by providing ease of assignment submission and marking.

Differences between EASE, Moodle Assignment Submission and Turnitin

  • EASE - stand alone system reliant on SCHED information; an assignment submission management tool (recommended for all courses but in particular for large courses with multiple markers)
  • Moodle Assignment Submission - this system is not reliant on information from SCHED; it is suitable for formative and makeup assignments.
  • Turnitin - software that compares submitted written material to its database to detect similarities.

Most appropriate product to use and when

  • EASE - recommended for all courses but in particular larger courses with multiple markers
  • Moodle submission - suitable for smaller courses with one marker and should be used for formative and makeup assignments
  • Turnitin - best used in conjunction with either EASE or the Moodle Assignment submission tools.

Commonalities between EASE, Moodle Assignment Submission and Turnitin? 

EASE and Moodle Assignment are both assignment submission tools. Turnitin is best used by students as an educative tool for understanding academic integrity: referencing and its importance.

What is EASE?

EASE is an acronym for Electronic Assignment Submission Environment

  • Stand alone system that is linked from within the USQStudyDesk
  • Course leaders are able to add an EASE block onto their course home page with all links needed by both students and course managers
  • All assignment data is taken directly from SCHED (SCHEDule of courses)
  • Marks can be transferred to PeopleSoft
  • It has a 'Marker Management Module' which allows markers to log in, mark electronically, and upload marks and feedback directly into the system

Why would I use EASE?

  • This system is recommended for all courses, but especially courses that have large enrolments with multiple markers
  • Saves on assignment turn around time
  • Markers can still print assignments to mark if they wish

How can I get training in EASE?

  • Hands on, Faculty based workshop sessions are run by the USQ StudyDesk support team at the beginning of each semester
  • A click by click guide on how to access EASE, and quick steps to set up assignment dropboxes and submit assignments electronically using the EASE system is available at http://www.usq.edu.au/studydesk/help/ease/  (You will need your USQ login details)

What if I need help right away?

What is the Moodle Assignment Submission module?

  • The Moodle Assignment Submission module is a feature available within the USQStudyDesk environment

Why would I use the Moodle Assignment Submission module instead of EASE?

  • The Moodle Assignment Submission system is not reliant on information from SCHED, and it is suitable for smaller courses with one marker. It should be used for formative and makeup assignments. EASE does not offer this functionality.
  • Assignments can be set up individually within Moodle, and you are also able to set up practice assignments
  • Marks can be transferred to PeopleSoft

How can I get training to use the Moodle Assignment Submission module?

  • Training is available as part of the ICT Moodle training, and includes dates and times  

What if I need help right away?

What is Turnitin?

Simply, Turnitin is plagiarism identification software which enables students to check their work for improper citation or potential plagiarism. The software compares submitted documents via a continuously updated global (Turnitin) database and references indexed pages on the world wide web, other universities, schools, other students and so on. It can play an important role in helping students to understand intellectual authenticity and honesty.

It is recommended that this tool be used in conjunction with either EASE or the Moodle Assignment submission tool.

Benefits of Turnitin

  • Students can check their assignments before submission
  • Marking time is reduced as students have had an opportunity to check referencing issues

How can I start using Turnitin?

  • To start using Turnitin, you need to register and obtain a username and password. Please contact the USQStudyDesk Support Team through studydesk@usq.edu.au for information on how to do this.

Are there exemplars on best practice for using Turnitin?

What about training and support for using Turnitin?

A guide on getting started using Turnitin is also available