The Quest for Quality in University Education in the Post-COVID-19 Era: Do Anti-plagiarism Tools Still Matter?

Do Anti-plagiarism Tools Still Matter?

Abstract

Plagiarism is a major global challenge to quality assurance in higher education. Various efforts have been made to overcome the menace including the use of anti-plagiarism tools. At the same time, many questions have been raised about the efficacy of the current generation of tools in detecting, preventing plagiarism, and guaranteeing the quality of education.  This paper examines the limitations of plagiarism detection tools in enhancing the quality of academic outcomes and proposes measures for improvement.  The paper argues that while anti-plagiarism software has a role in preventing plagiarism in academic writing and academic integrity, they are not the panacea to the plagiarism pandemic, especially in the COVID-19 era. It proposes that there is a need to reform methods of assessment and implement forward-looking policies to address the underlying causes of plagiarism, provide students with appropriate information literacy skills training, and above all cultivate a culture of academic integrity in higher education institutions (HEIs).