Resources

Student looking at a book in the DC library.

The resources section on course outlines refer to any external components students will need or could use for success in the course. Resources should enhance in-course learning by clarifying content or providing essential information not covered in class.

Choosing Resources for Courses

Resource decisions should be strategic and take into consideration frequency and degree of use (i.e., will it only be used in one course or by multiple courses across the program), how much of the resource will be used (i.e., one chapter only or the resource in full), the cost to purchase and ability to use an older edition, and if the resource will be useful for students following completion of the program.

If they contain the same content already taught, we recommend not requiring additional resources to reduce costs and overload for students. Consider whether it is necessary for students to purchase a textbook, or if alternative options be considered. Using Open Educational Resources (OERs) or library resources where possible, reduces costs for students and allows adaptation of resources to ensure relevance and currency for the course, and student learning and engagement. Consider customized course packs to capture specific parts of multiple resources. This can be explored by connecting with the Campus Bookstore.

Check out the CTL website for information about OER access, as well as the DC Library for resources available for courses or programs.

Required and Recommended Resources

Course outlines contain two sections of resources, required and recommended. The table below explores the difference between them.

Required resources

  • Required for students to obtain to effectively participate in the course.
  • Can include textbooks, hardware/software, personal protective equipment (PPE), clinic tools, etc.

Recommended resources

  • Supplemental resources that are not required, but could help support student learning.
  • Could be additional texts, research articles, software, tools/equipment, etc.

Note

As of January 2025, the costs of required texts must be included in course outlines to ensure transparency for students. Coursedog contains automated text providing a link to the bookstore for students to search the cost, therefore no need to include textbook costs. However, non-textbook material costs (such as specific software or tools) must be included if mandatory for students.