What is digital plagiarism in assessments?

Digital plagiarism in assessments refers to the unauthorized copying of someone else's work electronically. This includes copying text from online sources, such as articles, websites, e-books, or any other digital media without proper attribution. It encompasses not only straightforward copying but also the use of images, data, and multimedia that have not been authorized for use.

The fundamental issue with digital plagiarism is that it violates academic integrity and intellectual property rights. Students are expected to engage with source material critically and creatively while giving credit for the original ideas and expressions of others. This aspect emphasizes the importance of originality and the ethical use of information in educational settings.

The other options do not fully capture the essence of what digital plagiarism entails. Paraphrasing without citation still constitutes plagiarism but focuses on the act of modifying text rather than unauthorized copying of original work. Using a citation generator is a tool that can aid students in properly attributing sources and is not considered plagiarism if used correctly. Submitting one’s own previously submitted work, known as self-plagiarism, is also an ethical concern, but it is distinct from the unauthorized use of someone else's content.