e-Packs
What are they?
Publisher produced content for “jump-starting” an eCollege Vista course may be available for your textbook. The following guidelines apply for most epacks:
The epack must be requested from the publisher every semester so they can keep track of their use.
The textbooks may have specific ISBN numbers that indicate an e-Pack access code is enclosed.
Students buy textbook that includes an access codes that “proves” to the publisher the textbook has been purchased (This may be an additional charge for students.)
- NOTE: Vista is owned by Blackboard, but we are not using Blackboard CMS. Do not request a course cartridge. This is terminology used for Blackboard, not Vista. Vista sections will require an epack.
In addition, it is important to be aware of a potential for confusion with our server name, eCollege Vista. It seems that there is a new Course Management System called eCollege, which we do not use. When a faculty member goes to some publisher websites to look for an epack, they are presented with three choices: Blackboard, WebCT and eCollege. The tendency, would be to choose Blackboard or eCollege rather than WebCT, which is the correct choice.
If the publisher's information mentions WebCT, choose this and look for mention of Vista. If they do not, choose Blackboard and look for Vista. But never choose eCollege, you will not find ePacks there.
Finding e-Packs
Working closely with Blackboard (formerly WebCT), publishers produce e-Packs that faculty may adopt for use in an eCollege Vista section or template. What texts have e-Packs? The list grows continuously. Go to:
- http://www.webct.com/content/viewpage?name=content_showcase
- A search window appear
- 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 search for it. If you are exploring possible new adoptions, consider searching by discipline or publisher.
Often the publisher has ePacks on their own website, rather than housing them on the Blackboard site. Contact your publisher representative for more information.
Found one, now what?
When you find the ePack you want,
- Select the "Request a Copy" link and then
- Select the option to download and install the e-Pack on your institution's WebCT/Blackboard server.
- You will be presented with a form. The form will ask you for the LSCS Designated Blackboard Contact Information:
Name: Chris Duffy
Phone: 832-813-6756
Email: ctdl@lonestar.edu
**Faculty are encouraged to work closely with textbook representatives to assure the correct text (ISBN) is ordered and available in the bookstores.
Can’t find an e-Pack for your text?
Contact your book representative and express your interest in using an e-Pack with their textbook.