RESOURCESPedagogy and ApproachPackback offers a different approach to discussion and writing, backed by research on motivation and learning. Request a Demo Built on Pedagogy, Powered by AI. Discover how inquiry, feedback, and mastery learning shape better student outcomes. Read the e-Book THE RESEARCH BEHIND PACKBACKA research-based approach to writing, motivation, and learning. Purpose Packback places a focus on connecting to the unique purpose that motivates each student. Through an inquiry-based approach, Packback prompts students to ask questions that inspire them about the course material. The process of formulating questions is core to the process of self-motivated learning and metacognition. Academic models: Garrison’s Practical Inquiry Model Bloom’s Taxonomy of Cognition Autonomy Students have autonomy within Packback discussion to choose what question to ask based on the course material, and which questions they are excited to answer. Personal autonomy has been shown to be critical to intrinsic motivation, in both learning science and psychology. Academic models: Self-Determination Theory The Community of Inquiry Model Mastery Artificial Intelligence (AI) feedback is an answer to Bloom’s 2 Sigma Problem, allowing students to receive instant, personalized feedback while they write allowing them to continue to iterate on their work. Through AI, students get feedback when and where they need it, decoupling feedback from assessment. Academic models: Bloom’s 2-Sigma Problem Mastery Learning The Packback DifferenceOn Packback Discussions, students ask the discussion questions. The key difference in the Packback model is that students ask the discussion questions, rather than the instructors. Through this model, students don’t just learn through writing replies; they learn by formulating novel questions about course concepts. Instructor’s View On This Student's Post Amplifying Students Work “A portion of my first week of lecture includes a discussion on differences between command economies (USSR) and market economies (USA). I can share videos and podcasts with them, but the message is more impactful when it’s echoed by students. Yevehnii’s story would go unheard in a class of 800+ students, but stories like his can be amplified with Packback.” — Jadrian Wooten, PhD., Associate Teaching Professor of Economics, Penn State University About this post: This highlighted question was submitted by Yevhenii Ostroverkhov, a student in Dr. Jadrian Wooten’s Principles of Economics course at Penn State University. This post (and Yevhenii’s name) is displayed here with permission. This question received 38 responses from other students in the course. Learn More How Specific Online Discussion Methodologies Affect Outcomes Read the guide co-authored by Dr. Marie Cini, Provost Emerita of University of Maryland Global Campus and Packback’s Chief Product Officer, Jessica Tenuta, exploring the differences between common discussion implementation models and how these differences shape course outcomes. Read the Guide Designed for today’s AI-driven world. Grounded in pedagogy. Built for student success. Request a Demo TestimonialsWhat are education leaders saying about Packback? “When implementing online discussion, make sure to accompany the work of encouraging motivation, autonomy and inquiry with a medium that helps facilitate those goals. […] Early results from a forthcoming research study indicate that the tool has helped colleges achieve a statistically significant increase in student grades, as well as increases in overall discussion performance.” Read in Inside Higher Education Dr. Kathleen Ives Former CEO of the Online Learning Consortium, and Director of National Laboratory of Education Transformation “Evidence suggests that behavioral nudging with tools like AI chatbots can motivate students to complete critical tasks that lead to improved retention and completion. Similarly, inquiry-based discussion platforms like Packback have proven effective at cultivating students’ internal curiosity and sparking motivation. Read in the NEBHE journal New England Board of Higher Education Journal “At a time when the need for effective online learning has never been greater, we have a unique and urgent opportunity to bring together academic leaders and technology experts to create more intentional online pedagogy. Packback is uniquely positioned to lead this effort… .” Read in PR Newswire Dr. Eduardo Padrón President Emeritus of Miami Dade CollegePresidential Medal of Freedom recipient FROM OUR BLOG Learn More with Our Resources View All Resources Webinar Recap – Assignment Strategies That Prevent Cognitive Offloading The energy during our live webinar, "Designing for Depth: Assignment Strategies that Prevent Cognitive Offloading," was electric. The chat was buzzing with 125+ educators and administrators sharing resources, commiserating over shared challenges, and asking tricky questions that shaped the entire conversation. If you missed the live discussion, don't worry! We saved you a seat. Catch the full on-demand expedition and grab the slide deck here. August 18, 2025 Blog What is Dead Education Theory? July 29, 2025 Blog Webinar Recap: Roots of Responsible AI – An Educator’s Guide to Ethical Innovation July 1, 2025 Blog Considering a Turnitin Alternative? Your Migration Roadmap Awaits June 23, 2025 View All Resources SCHEDULE A CALLSchedule a call to learn more about Packback Schedule a call to see how the Packback discussion pedagogy, platform, and people work together to create a holistic solution to help instructors bring inquiry-driven learning to their classes. We will be happy to demonstrate the platform and walk through how to implement Packback in a new course. "*" indicates required fields First Name*Last Name*Email* Your Role*Select OneFaculty (Higher Education)Administrator (Higher Education)Instructor (K-12)Administrator (K-12)OtherInstitution*EmailThis field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Webinar Recap – Assignment Strategies That Prevent Cognitive Offloading The energy during our live webinar, "Designing for Depth: Assignment Strategies that Prevent Cognitive Offloading," was electric. The chat was buzzing with 125+ educators and administrators sharing resources, commiserating over shared challenges, and asking tricky questions that shaped the entire conversation. If you missed the live discussion, don't worry! We saved you a seat. Catch the full on-demand expedition and grab the slide deck here. August 18, 2025
