Turnitin and Blackboard Assignment Feature Comparison
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For colleaguesThis table compares key features of Turnitin Feedback Studio with Blackboard Ultra Assignment Grading.
| Feature | Turnitin Feedback Studio | Blackboard Ultra Assignment Grading |
|---|---|---|
| In-text commenting | ✅ Inline comments with bubble annotations | ✅ Inline comments with bubble annotations - functionally equivalent |
| Comment library | ✅ QuickMark comment sets (customisable, reusable) | ✅ Feedback comment library (customisable, reusable) - same functionality |
| Multiple Files | ❌ Turnitin only allows single file submissions | ✅ Blackboard Assignment can accept multiple file submissions |
| File Size | ⚠️ Turnitin maximum file size is 100Mb | ✅ Blackboard Assignment no max file size limit |
| Rubric integration | ✅ Can link comments to rubric criteria | ✅ Can link comments to rubric criteria - identical capability |
| Rubric grading | ✅ Side-by-side rubric panel | ✅ Side-by-side rubric panel with same functionality. Blackboard rubrics allow for scale ranges for criteria, allowing more flexibility in scoring within a range. |
| Voice/video feedback | ✅ Voice comments and video feedback available | ✅ Voice comments and video feedback available |
| Annotation tools | ✅ Highlighters, strikethrough, drawing tools | ✅ Highlighters, strikethrough, drawing tools - equivalent set |
| PDF annotation | ✅ Native PDF markup | ✅ Native PDF markup - equivalent |
| Multiple file formats | ✅ Supports various formats | ✅ Supports a wider range of file formats |
| Similarity detection | ✅ Similarity Report (paid additional feature) | ✅ SafeAssign (included, no additional cost) |
| Group assignments | ❌ No native group assignment support | ✅ Full group assignment workflow with individual or group grading options |
| Anonymous/blind marking | ✅ Built-in anonymous marking with workflow limitations | ✅ Built-in anonymous marking with workflow limitations |
| Multiple attempts | ⚠️ Limited, awkward workflow | ✅ Full support for multiple submission attempts with version tracking up to the submission deadline |
| Draft submissions | ❌ Not supported | ✅ Students can save drafts before final submission |
| Batch download | ✅ Available with feedback | ✅ Available with feedback |
| Accommodations | ⚠️ Can set individual due dates within Turnitin interface; less integrated with Blackboard student management | ✅ Built-in exceptions for individual students (extended due dates, additional attempts, time limits); managed directly from gradebook or student overview |
| Late submission tracking | ⚠️ Basic timestamp | ✅ Automatic late flagging with configurable grace periods |
| Gradebook integration | ⚠️ External sync required (can be unreliable) | ✅ Seamless, real-time gradebook integration |
| Marking workflow | ⚠️ External LTI tool, separate window/tab outside of the Blackboard environment | ✅ Fully integrated within Blackboard Ultra interface |
| Mobile marking | ⚠️ No mobile marking now possible | ✅ Full mobile app marking capability |
| Offline marking | ❌ Requires connection to Turnitin servers | ✅ Can download, mark offline, re-upload |
Legend:
✅ = Feature fully supported
⚠️ = Feature partially supported or has limitations
❌ = Feature not available
✅ = Feature fully supported
⚠️ = Feature partially supported or has limitations
❌ = Feature not available
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