Online interactive learning tutorials: addressing academic integrity and referencing

Abstract

This paper presents the development and implementation of two online tutorials designed to improve academic integrity and referencing skills among planning students at The University of Queensland, Australia. The Academic Integrity tutorial explains the importance of proper citation, distinguishes between collaboration and collusion, highlights the seriousness of misconduct, and demonstrates strategies for avoiding plagiarism. The Academic Referencing tutorial clarifies citation principles and introduces Harvard and Chicago styles. Both tutorials feature interactive real-world scenarios, feedback mechanisms, and accessibility considerations, including screen reader compatibility and culturally diverse examples. Evaluation results show significant improvements in students’ understanding of plagiarism, referencing, and ethical academic practices, with users praising the tutorials’ clarity, relevance, and ease of use.