How to Check Originality on Your College Board Digital Portfolio: A Guide for the Perplexed (and Slightly Panicked)
So, you’ve poured your heart and soul into your College Board digital portfolio. You’ve spent countless hours crafting your masterpiece, meticulously editing, and adding those super creative finishing touches. You’re ready to hit “submit” and bask in the glow of your accomplishment. But wait! A nagging thought creeps into your mind: “Is this thing original? Or did I accidentally copy-paste a bit too much?”
Fear not, fellow portfolio enthusiast! You’re not alone in this existential crisis of originality. The College Board, in its infinite wisdom, has implemented a plagiarism-detection system to ensure that all those fancy digital portfolios are the real deal. And guess what? It’s called Turnitin, the same tool that haunts your nightmares from high school English class.
Unmasking the Turnitin Mystery
But wait! Hold your horses! Don’t freak out just yet. We’re not talking about a full-blown, “you’re-a-plagiarist-and-you-should-be-ashamed” situation. This is more like a friendly “heads up” to make sure you’re on the right track.
Firstly, the College Board doesn’t expect you to create a portfolio entirely from scratch. It’s okay to borrow ideas and inspiration from other sources. But, just like that cool outfit you found on Pinterest, you can’t just wear it without making it your own. You gotta add your unique flair, your personality, your je ne sais quoi.
How to Check Your Portfolio’s Originality (and Not Lose Your Mind)
Alright, so you’re ready to face the dreaded “Originality Check.” Here’s a step-by-step guide to navigate this process like a pro:
- Log in to Digital Portfolio: Head over to digitalportfolio.collegeboard.org and log in using the same College Board credentials you use for My AP.
- Find Your Portfolio Component: Navigate to the Performance Task Component that you want to check.
- Run the Originality Check: Look for the “Run Originality” button. Click it. Brace yourself.
- Turnitin Takes Over: The Turnitin site will open in a new tab. Make sure your browser is accepting pop-ups. It’s like a little party invitation from the plagiarism police.
- Review the Report: The report will show you any potential instances of plagiarism. Take a deep breath. It’s not the end of the world.
Understanding the Originality Report: It’s Not as Scary as It Sounds
The report will highlight any passages that match sources online. It’s not always a black and white situation. Sometimes, the report might flag something you’ve written from scratch as potentially plagiarized because it’s a common phrase or idea.
Here’s the key: Don’t panic! Take a close look at the report.
- Is the flagged text a direct quote? If so, make sure you’ve properly cited it.
- Is the flagged text a paraphrase? Make sure your paraphrase is truly original and doesn’t just switch a few words around.
- Is the flagged text a common phrase or idea? If so, you might need to rephrase it or provide more context.
The “Report Plagiarism” Button: A Last Resort
If you’re genuinely concerned about plagiarism in a student’s portfolio, you can click the “Report Plagiarism” button. Remember, this should be a last resort. Use it when you’ve reviewed the report, spoken to the student, and you’re confident that there’s a serious issue of plagiarism.
Tips for Avoiding Plagiarism (and Keeping Your Portfolio Original)
- Use Quotations Wisely: If you’re quoting a source, make sure you use quotation marks and proper citations. Don’t just copy and paste without giving credit where credit is due.
- Paraphrase Like a Pro: Don’t just change a few words here and there. Rewrite the text in your own words, using your own unique voice.
- Cite Everything: Even if you’re not quoting directly, cite your sources. This shows transparency and helps your readers understand where your ideas came from.
- Get Feedback: Before submitting your portfolio, ask a teacher, friend, or mentor to review your work for plagiarism. A fresh pair of eyes can catch things you might miss.
Final Thoughts: A Portfolio is a Journey, Not a Destination
Remember, your digital portfolio is a reflection of your learning journey. It’s about showing your growth and progress, not about being perfect. Focus on your unique voice and approach. Let your creativity shine through.
And if you’re still feeling overwhelmed or have any questions about how to check originality or submit your portfolio, don’t hesitate to reach out to the College Board for support. They’re there to help you navigate this process and ensure your portfolio is a success.
Need more help? If you’re still unsure about how to check originality or have any more questions about your College Board digital portfolio, join the JobLoving community! We have a team of experts ready to answer your questions and offer guidance. Together, we can conquer this digital portfolio journey!