Creating Course Content

Templates that outline the course overview and module structure are designed to help you with creating your course content.

When developing the content, please use the Styles toolbar in Word to indicate the various heading levels and refrain from applying special formatting such as text boxes, or varying fonts. If you would like a block of content to be presented in a different format, please insert a comment such as “put into a text box”.

The completed content in Word document should be sent to the ETS instructional designer, Sharon Hu by the designated due dates outlined in the Course Development plan.

Reading material

Information about the textbooks and required readings should be included in the first part of the course content that you submit to the instructional designer. Reading material for the course can be compiled by using the Library Course Reserves in the LMS. For courses with non-UBC students, reading material needs to be compiled into a custom course package through the UBC Bookstore. An overview of each method is listed below.

Library Course Reserves: Reading material is available free-of-charge to the students in the electronic format and accessible directly within the LMS. You will be able to:

1. Select electronic material from the UBC library catalogue;
2. Request PDFs be made from print-only material in the UBC library collection;
3. Upload PDFs from your personal collection.

Requested material will then be available to the registered students. For more information about the Course Reserve System, please go to the Library website or contact the Education course reserve librarian. Please note that non-UBC students, taking non-credit courses do not have access to Library Course Reserves.

The Library Course Reserves is the recommended method of providing reading material to the students because a) the material is free of charge; b) the material can be accessed anywhere, anytime c) the reading list can be modified throughout the duration of the course.

Custom Course Package (CCP): Reading material is available to the students in the print version that can be purchased from the UBC Bookstore. This option is only recommended for courses with non-UBC students. The CCP may include copies of articles from journals or periodicals, chapters from books, or materials from various other sources that do not have an electronic version. The Bookstore will complete all the work required to have the package ready for the students. The Bookstore will obtain the copyright permissions, photocopy, assemble, and package the materials, and stock the finished CCP on the shelves at the bookstore. For more information about creating Custom Course Package, please visit the UBC bookstore web page.

Copyright clearance

UBC takes copyright very seriously. The University also understands the copyright rules can be very confusing, so the Scholarly Communications & Copyright Office was established to provide assistance. The Office is dedicated to answering your questions, and to clearing copyright for material you wish to include in your course. If a figure, table, image, or video clip from a published sources (e.g., website, journal article, book, DVD or VHS) is included in the course content, it is the course writer’s responsibility to contact the Copyright Office to ensure copyright is observed. If you have any questions about how copyright is applicable or if you require assistance with copyright clearance, you are strongly encouraged to visit the UBC Copyright website, or to contact the UBC Copyright Office. Copyright drop-in clinics are held frequently, please check the website for exact dates.

Often, well-chosen images or videos can greatly liven up the course material and can convey an idea very effectively. You may also use photos you took yourself. If individuals are clearly identifiable in the image, be sure you have a signed media release from each individual (or the guardian for minors). Here is a sample media release form.

Additional information:

  • Images, illustrations, videos embedded inside a PowerPoint also need to have the proper copyright clearance.
  • Check the Images Sources page to find out more about resources in the public domain.
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