What are they?
Publisher produced content for "jump-starting" a WebCT course.
What texts have e-Packs? The list grows continuously. Go to:
http://webct.com/content/viewpage?name=content_showcase
A search window appears.
You may search by Discipline, Title or keyword, Author, or Publisher (don't use too many of these fields for one search). If you are satisfied with the currently adopted text, begin by searching for it. If you are exploring possible new adoptions, consider searching by discipline or publisher.
IMPORTANT: Faculty are encouraged to work closely with textbook representatives to assure the correct text (ISBN) is ordered and available in the bookstore.
Issues to consider:The texts that go with ePacks have specific ISBN numbers that indicate an e-Pack is to be used. Students buy texts that include access codes that "prove" to the publisher the textbook has been purchased (This may be an additional charge for students.)
Often you can negotiate with the publisher to eliminate the access code fee for your students, especially when a department adopts a text with an ePack for a core course.
Students in web-based (totally online) courses will need to be informed ahead of time about the special edition of the textbook, and that they will need an access code to enter the course.
You will need to know WebCT well to be able to successfully adapt the ePack course materials and activities to the way that you teach. You will also need to know how to use the WebCT tools and protocols for teaching online.
Recently publishers have placed interactive content (articles, assignments, games, practice tests, tests, links, etc.) on their own websites, and then link to these resources from within a WebCT ePack. This means you have no control over the content of your course, because you cannot edit content on a publisher's website. Also, scores from tests and activities must be emailed to your UALR email or other email account-not the WebCT email account. And then you manually enter grades into your gradebook.
Not all ePacks are created using principles of good teaching practice. It is advisable to thoroughly review all navigation, logistics, materials and activities. You will need to edit and adapt the ePack to your teaching style.
Often publishers name files with numbers or letters, and dump the files in the File Manager often with no organization in folders. It can be a challenge to find and edit a particular document.
ePack test banks will need to be carefully edited. Some contain ambiguous questions and erroneous answers. Most test banks contain hundreds of a variety of question types (true/false, multiple choice, short answer, matching and paragraph questions).
If you create your own content module in a course containing an ePack, you will not be able to export that content module to another course.