Packback
DUE:
GETTING STARTED:
- Each Friday during the semester by 11:59pm until the Friday before Dead Week (see page 2 of the Course Schedule for a list of full Packback due dates).
- The only exceptions:
- Friday of Spring Break (spring)
- Friday of Thanksgiving Break (fall)
- Friday of Dead Week (spring and fall)
- Friday of Finals Week (spring and fall)
- The only exceptions:
- Create your own, original post asking a question that relates the topic material to current events. You must click on the big orange button on the main community page that says "Ask a New Question" in order to post your own question.
- Include a source in your posts (this can be anything from a scholarly journal article to a video news report; include warnings for potentially sensitive material where needed).
- Respond to at least two others' posts.
- Don't worry about the Curiosity Score. For the most part, as long as you’re consistently posting thoughtful content and attaching/naming sources, you’re fine.
- Packback posts cannot be made up or completed early. You will only receive credit for posting one question and responding to two posts per week. NO EXCEPTIONS.
- Packback posts are graded on completion. However, if you routinely post subpar content and ignore direct instructor feedback on your posts, you will face a deduction at the end of the semester.
- Responding or posting your own question more than the weekly requirement will not net credit for any missing posts from other weeks. In other words, you cannot post 6 posts one week to make up for a missed week.
- Each portion of your posts is worth 1/3 of your grade per week (1 question = 33%; 1 response = 33%; 2nd response = 33%).
- Example: If you only respond to two posts but don't post your own question for the class, you will earn a 66% for that week.
- I calculate grades for Packback over Dead Week. During this time, if you have earned at least a D- on Packback, I will bump your Packback grade by one letter.
- Example: If your final Packback grade is 75% (C), I will raise it to 85% (B). This way, if you miss a couple of weekly Packback posts, it will not necessarily tank your grade.
- Packback is worth a significant portion of your grade. In some cases, you may not be able to pass the course if you do not keep up with the Packback requirements each week.
GETTING STARTED:
- The first time you log in, you should go into Packback via the Access Granted link (Blackboard > Intro Module > "Click Here to Get Started" Folder). If you need the course community look-up key, it is listed on Blackboard.
- Subsequent logins can be made via the Packback link in each Blackboard module.
FAQs:
- Q: I can't remember how many times I've posted this week. How can I check my grade?
- A: You can keep up with your posts via Packback's "Track Your Participation" feature.
- Q: I missed one (or more) of my posts. Can I make it up?
- A: No. But as long as you make at least a D- as your final Packback grade, I will bump it one letter (10 percentage points).
- Q: I joined the class late! How can I make up the Packback posts I missed?
- A: Packback posts cannot be made up for any reason. See above.
- Q: I was having technical difficulties and missed a set of posts. How can I make those up?
- A: Packback posts cannot be made up for any reason. See above.
- Q: Do I have to respond to Prof. Treadway's posts?
- A: Nope. They're just an option of one "thread" you can respond to. I would like for you to comment on the initial "Who are you?" post for the Intro Module because it's nice getting to know a little about all of you, but it's not required.
- Q: My post was flagged for moderation. Should I just drop the class now?
- A: It's likely just the AI. Unless you receive an email directly from me or the TA, you shouldn't be concerned or change anything.
- Q: I posted three times -- why did I not get full credit?
- A: You posted three responses (even if one of them was a question). See the first bullet point regarding posting your own original question above.
- Q: What's my current Packgrade grade?
- A: You can keep up with your posts via Packback's "Track Your Participation" feature. Keep in mind, this does not include any grades that will be dropped at the end of the semester.
- Q: I'm having trouble. What should I do?
- A: View the five-minute tutorial.
- A: Visit the support page.
- A: View the FAQs on the Packback website.
- A: Contact Packback tech support.