Overview — What Is Packback?
Packback is an online discussion and writing platform used in some Sault College courses. Your instructor may use it for questions, responses, or other assigned activities. Access your course’s Packback activity through Brightspace.
You do not need to create a separate Packback username or password to launch it from Brightspace. Your Packback account is created or connected when you open the course link for the first time. Follow any instructions that appear on screen.
How to Access Packback in Your Course
Step 1: Open your course Content area
- Log in to Brightspace.
- Open the course that uses Packback.
- Select Content from the course navigation.
Brightspace course navigation
Step 2: Open the Packback activity
- Find the module where your instructor placed the Packback activity.
- Select the Packback link in that module. It may open in a new browser tab or window.
Course Content module
Return to this link in your Brightspace course when you need to use Packback again. If your instructor provides separate Packback links for specific assignments, use the link for the assignment you are completing. Opening an assignment from the course helps connect it to Brightspace grades when grade syncing is enabled.
First Time Using Packback
Account and course access
The first time you open Packback from Brightspace, a Packback account is created or connected using your school account. You do not need to set up a separate login. If Packback asks you to Join Community or complete another first-time step, follow the instructions shown for your course.
First-time Packback Join Community
Cookies
If a Packback cookie message appears, leave Essential Cookies enabled and select Accept on this Device if those are the options displayed. Your browser must allow the cookies needed to launch Packback through Brightspace.
First Visit - Packback cookie message
Participating in Packback
Once Packback opens, select the discussion or other activity assigned by your instructor. For a discussion, you may be asked to post a question and respond to classmates. Follow your instructor’s directions for due dates, participation requirements, and grading.
Open the assigned activity
Grades and Feedback
You can review available scores and feedback in Packback. If your instructor has set up grade syncing, your Packback grade may also appear in Grades in Brightspace. It may appear after the assignment deadline or when your instructor sends grades, rather than immediately after you post.
Packback score or feedback and the corresponding Brightspace Grades item.
Common Questions
Do I need a separate Packback account or password?
No separate username or password is needed to launch Packback from your Brightspace course. Follow any first-time instructions that appear in Packback.
How do I access Packback later?
Return to your course in Brightspace, open Content, and select the Packback link your instructor provided.
I see an error or blank screen. What should I try?
Reopen Packback from the Brightspace link, refresh the page, and try an up-to-date browser in a normal window rather than private browsing. If the error concerns cookies, follow Packback’s browser settings instructions. If the problem continues, use the support options below.
Can I use Packback on my phone?
Yes. Open your Brightspace course and launch Packback in your phone’s browser. Packback does not have a separate mobile app.
Why isn’t my grade showing in Brightspace?
Your instructor may not use grade syncing, or the grade may not have been sent yet. Check Packback and your instructor’s grading instructions. Contact your instructor if a grade is still missing after it should have been posted.
How to Get Support
- Packback access, errors, or features: Visit the Packback Student Support page for help articles and the option to submit a support request. You can also email help@packback.co. Include your course name, what happened, and a screenshot of any error.
- Missing Packback link, unclear instructions, deadlines, or grading questions: Contact your instructor.
Summary
- Open your Brightspace course and select Content.
- Select the Packback link in the module your instructor identified.
- Follow any first-time instructions shown in Packback.
- Complete the assigned activity and check Packback for feedback.
- Use the Packback Student Support page if you need technical help.