Draft Coach in Microsoft 365

Draft Coach in Microsoft 365

Draft Coach helps students check similarity and citation practices while they are still writing, before they submit.

How students access Draft Coach

Students open their document in Microsoft Word Online through their IECC Microsoft 365 account and use the Draft Coach tool there. Share these steps with students in your Canvas course.

Appropriate classroom uses

• Practice with citation and paraphrasing before a major paper is due.
• Self-checking a draft for matched text.
• Class activities that teach source use.

Similarity and citation-learning activities

• Have students run Draft Coach on a draft, then revise citations and paraphrasing.
• Ask students to write a short reflection on what they changed and why.

Suggested syllabus and assignment language

Sample wording: You may use Draft Coach in Microsoft Word Online to check your draft for similar text and citation issues before submitting. Draft Coach is a learning tool. You are responsible for your own work and for citing sources properly.

What Draft Coach does not replace

Draft Coach does not replace your own review, your instructor's feedback, or the final Similarity report. It does not decide whether work meets academic integrity expectations.

Troubleshooting and support

Problems signing in to Microsoft 365 or opening Word Online: contact the IECC Help Desk. Questions about classroom use: request a CETL consultation.

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Content owner: CETL. Last reviewed: October 2026.