Strategies for improving use of text-matching software by staff

Abstract

Universities are increasingly requiring the use of text-matching software (e.g., Turnitin, Urkund) for assessment. Even so, teaching staff may be resistant to using new technology for a variety of reasons. This study aimed to determine specific strategies and recommendations for improving uptake and correct usage of text-matching software at universities by gathering the experiences of training staff who have combatted resistance to new technologies. Two focus groups with 22 participants across five universities used a modified version of the Delphi method to come to consensus on their top five recommended strategies, which included: offering “out of the box” materials, using evidence, fostering champions, providing training and support to teaching staff, ensuring consistent messaging, building relationships, and offering student-facing support. These strategies may help university trainers improve the adoption of text-matching software, though more research is needed to determine the relative effectiveness of different strategies.

developing digital fluency