• To make an online request use the Instructional Support Request Form at:
  http://www.ed.sc.edu/ois/instructionSupport.asp
• To make a request by phone or in person, call the Instructional Support Help Desk at 777-4475 or visit the Help Desk in Wardlaw, Room 274. An employee will assist in completing the form.
• To cancel a request or to update a request, complete that part of the Instructional Support Request form or e-mail the trainers at coe_training@gwm.sc.edu
• To make a change at the last minute, call the Help Desk at 777-4475. An employee at the desk can then redirect your students/participants and open up the room for other reservations.
• Descriptions of each room including the number of seats, the equipment and the software on each of the computers can be located through the Tour Page of this site.
• A description of the equipment available for checkout by the College of Education faculty/staff members for instructional purposes is online on the Equipment for Instructional Use Page of this site.
• The security of the equipment, the room and its contents is the responsibility of the instructor during the time the room or the equipment is reserved or checked out.
• To use the teleconferencing equipment (audio or two-way video), complete a second form, the Teleconference Request Form. This information is used for testing the equipment with the participating site and for billing departments for long distance phone calls. This form is linked from the Instructional Support Request Form.
• To install software that is not part of the assigned equipment, complete a second form, the Software Installation Request Form. Complete the form to allow sufficient time to verify licenses (if necessary) and to install and to test the software prior to the event. This form is linked from the Instructional Support Request Form.
• Schedule a time to test the teleconferencing equipment or special software prior to the event on the Instructional Support Request Form.
• If no Instructional Support Classroom is available, employees will work with other University offices to find another appropriate classroom on campus or to identify portable presentation equipment that can be used in the regularly assigned classroom or in another appropriate room.
• Classrooms may be reassigned to accommodate the instructional needs of another group using technology during a specific time or due to equipment malfunctions. An employee will notify the requestor and will send a reminder close to the date of the change whenever possible.
• An event that does not use technology will be tentatively scheduled, but may be 'bumped' if an event using technology is scheduled for that time. An employee will notify the requestor of the change as soon as possible.
• Instructional Support accommodates requests by College of Education faculty/staff members for instructional activities at no charge. A fee may be assessed for the use of classrooms, equipment and other technologies.
• Failure to follow these rules after a warning may result in the loss of the privilege of using the equipment and/or room for the remainder of the semester.

Request the Use of a Classroom

• Instructional Support schedules the following classrooms:
  • Wardlaw 274-O - "Odyssey Room"
  • Wardlaw 274-M - "Matrix Room"
  • Wardlaw 274-D - "Discovery Room"
  • Wardlaw 030 - "Science and Investigation Room"
  • Wardlaw 029 - "Science Education Classroom"
    Classrooms can be reserved by College of Education faculty/staff members and students for instructional events and other events that use technology; including class meetings, workshops, demonstrations, dissertation defenses and student work sessions. Events that do not use technology or that are sponsored by other groups will be considered, but a fee may be charged.
• Rooms for a Regularly Scheduled Class
  During the planning period for the upcoming semester, an Instructional Support employee sends a notice to all College of Education faculty/staff members*, asking them to submit requests for an Instructional Support classroom for regularly-scheduled class meetings. This is separate from a department requesting a room for a course through USC Space Utilization.** A cut-off date is given in the email notice. After this date, the requests are developed into a tentative master schedule for the upcoming semester. The master schedule is listed with USC Space Utilization and consequently, the correct room is listed on USC's Master Schedule before the first day of class. It is important to be specific about class needs when submitting a request so other arrangements can be made to meet the technology needs of the class.
  *A list of other faculty/staff members, mostly in the College of Science and Math who have an interest in the two science classrooms, is also included in this process.
  **When requesting a classroom through USC Space Utilization, do not request on one of the rooms that Instructional Support reserves; request one elsewhere on campus. After all the requests for regularly-scheduled classrooms are in, the Instructional Support classrooms are assigned. Faculty and staff are not guaranteed an Instructional Support classroom, so it is important to request a classroom elsewhere in the University until the room schedule is completed.
• Rooms for Other Events
  Individual events are scheduled after the Instructional Support master room schedule is made for the regularly-scheduled class meetings each semester. These events - ones with an instructional purpose and other events that involve the use of technology - are generally reserved on a first-come-first-served basis. An event that does not use technology is tentatively scheduled, but may be "bumped" if an event using technology is requested during that time. An Instructional Support employee will notify the requestor of any changes as soon as possible. There are specific priority rules for a few of the classrooms because of the specific software installed on the room computer(s), special technology available, and the number of seats in the room. (see Priority for Specific Rooms.) If an additional request for regularly event is made after the master room schedule is made and individual events have been scheduled, every attempt will be made to fulfill the request. This means that the requestor may not be able to hold all of the class meetings in the assigned room during the semester. An Instructional Support employee will notify the requestor of the dates if conflicts exist when the late request is processed.

Policies for Determining Priority of Room Requests
A description of each room, including the number of seats, the equipment and the software on the computers, is located on the Instructional Support web site Tour Page. The priority lists for room requests follows.

• Priority for Room by Type of Event/Sponsor
1. College of Education classes in which students use technology. The more often the students use technology, the higher the priority.
2. Training events sponsored by Instructional Support
3. College of Education Classes in which the instructor uses technology. The more often the instructor uses technology, the higher the priority.
4. College of Education administrative events that involve the use of technology.
5. Classes and other instructional events sponsored by the College of Education that do not use technology.
6. Classes and other instructional events sponsored by groups outside the College of Education that use technology.
7. Classes and other instructional events sponsored by groups outside the College of Education that do not involve the use of technology.
8. Requests by other groups for other purposes will be considered.
• Priority for Specific Rooms
  • Wardlaw 274-O -"Odyssey Room
    Refer to the Priority for Room by Type of Event/Sponsor for the levels of priority.
    --Note that this classroom is set up to allow for the use of the COW (Computers on Wheels) portable computer lab. Requests that include the COW equipment will have priority over groups that do not request student computers.--
  • Wardlaw 274-M -"Matrix Room"
    1. A College of Education group using the two-way video and or/audio conferencing equipment will have priority for the use of this room.
       --Note: If a requestor is assigned to this room for an event that does not use this equipment, the requestor will be moved for a teleconferencing event. The requestor will be notified as soon as possible and every attempt will be made to provide equipment to fulfill the request in another room.--
    2. Classes and events sponsored by the Educational Technology Program.
    3. Training events sponsored by Instructional Support
    4. Dissertation defenses by doctoral candidates in the College of Education.
    5. Groups outside the College of Education using the teleconferencing equipment if they are paying to use the room.
    6. College of Education classes in which the students use the software programs unique to these computers. The programs are primarily related to multimedia development and technology for special populations. See the Tour of the Matrix Room page soon to be posted on this site for a list of the specific software on these computers.
    7. Refer to Priority for Room by Type of Event/Sponsor for the next levels of priority.
       --Note: All groups requesting use of the teleconferencing equipment must complete a Teleconference Request Form before the event takes place. This information is used for testing the equipment with the participating site(s) and for billing the departments for any long distance phone charges incurred. This form is linked with the Instructional Support Request Form. --
  • Wardlaw 274-D -"Discovery Room"
    Refer to the Priority for Room by Type of Event/Sponsor for the levels of priority.
  • Wardlaw 030 -"SCANCA Science and Investigation Classroom"
    1. Classes and other events that are related to science and/or math education have first priority for this room This includes classes in the College of Education and the College of Science and Math.
    2. After the master schedule has been set, requests from groups related to science and/or math education have would have priority over a College of Education group making a request at the same time.
    3. Training events sponsored by Instructional Support.
    4. College of Education classes in which the instructor uses technology. The more often the instructor uses technology, the higher the priority. Priority is also given if the instructor uses the special equipment in that room over someone requesting presentation equipment that can be found in other rooms or provided by using portable equipment.
    5. See Priority for Room Type by Event/Sponsor for the next levels of priority.
       --Note: Requests by groups other than the College of Education and the College of Science and Math will be considered, but because of the special science materials that are located in the room, it is unlikely these requests will be filled.--
  • Wardlaw 029 -"Science Education Room"
    1. Classes and other events that are related to science and /or math have first priority for this room. This includes classes in the College of Education and the College of Science and Math.
    2. Groups related to science and/or math would have priority over a College of Education group making a request at the same time.
    3. Because the audiovisual equipment in this room (TC/VCR) is the same type that is available in all classrooms across campus, the next level of priority is for College of Education classes and College of Science and Math classes, based on a first-come-first-served basis.
       --Note: Requests by groups other than the College of Education and the College of Science and Math will be considered, but because of the special science materials that are located in the room, it is unlikely these requests will be filled.--

Policies for Using Classrooms

• General Rules for Using Instructional Support Classrooms
  • No Food or Drink Allowed in Classrooms. The instructor is responsible for reminding students and modeling this by not having food or drinks in the classroom.
  • Food or drinks may be consumed in the Canteen during a class break. Students and the instructor may leave a covered drink container or unopened food immediately inside the room to be taken to the Canteen or other location during a class break or after class. The Canteen is located next door to the Training Center.
    --Note: Trash is removed from the Training Center one day a week. The trash cans in the hallway outside the Training Center and in the Canteen are emptied every weekday. --
  • Report technical/computer problems that can wait until after the event on the clipboard at the presentation station of each Instructional Support Classroom. The clipboard contains a map of the room with instructions for reporting technical problems with specific stations. After completing the form, turn it in at the Help Desk at the end of class.
  • For immediate assistance with equipment, housekeeping, maintenance or other issues, ask for assistance at the Help Desk.
  • For information about using the computer and other equipment in these classrooms, see the Policies for Using Equipment.
  • For assistance with the videoconferencing or projection equipment, seek assistance at the Help Desk.
  • After completing a presentation, close the programs on the presentation and remove items which were in the class folder on the computer. In addition, have the students/participants close the programs on the student stations if applicable.
  • Turn off the presentation equipment, including the projector and/or monitor, when not in use or when the presentation is over.
  • Closing the classroom is the responsibility of the instructor and involves removing any trash, extra handouts and supplies, putting moved furniture back into the original placement, and erasing the whiteboard. In addition, turn off lights, including spotlights, and notify the Help Desk employee that the session is completed.
  • The security of the room and its contents is the responsibility of the instructor/requestor for the entire time the room is reserved.
  • Failure to follow these rules after a warning may result in the loss of privilege of using the room for the remainder of the semester.
• Using Locked Rooms, Security Codes and Keys
  • Instructional Support rooms are locked between events. Some rooms, such as Wardlaw 029 and 030, must be unlocked and/or have the security code turned off to access the room. Following the event, the room is locked by an Instructional Support employee. Usually rooms are unlocked when the fist student arrives for class or 15 minutes before the scheduled start time.
  • For assistance locking the room, please contact the Instructional Support's Help Desk employee. If the class ends early, notify the Help Desk.
  • Room and equipment security codes are not to be shared or left in an unsecured place.
  • In some cases, keys may be issued for a semester or for an event. Return all keys after the last class or at the end of the event.
  • Room privileges may be lost if security codes or keys are shared with others.
• Using Specific Rooms
  • Wardlaw 274-O - "Odyssey Room"
    See General Rules for Using Instructional Support Classrooms.
  • Wardlaw 274-M - "Matrix Room"
    In addition to observing the General Rules for Using Instructional Support Classrooms, learn to use the technology equipment in the "Matrix Classroom". For Assistance during an event, ask the Help Desk employee for assistance. Also, see the Policies for Using Equipment if using videoconferencing or audio conferencing equipment.
  • Wardlaw 274-D - "Discovery Room"
    See General Rules for Using Instructional Support Classrooms.
  • Wardlaw 030 - "SCANA Science and Investigation Classroom"
    In addition to observing the General Rules for using Instructional Support Classrooms, be aware that when using the "SCANA Science and Investigation Classroom", students are not allowed to touch the science-related equipment unless the equipment relates to a science class. Make an appointment with an Instructional Support employee for training on the use of the presentation equipment. For assistance during an event, ask the person at the Help Desk.
  • Wardlaw 029 - "Science Education Room
    In addition to observing the General Rules for using Instructional Support Classrooms, be aware that when using the "Science Education Room" students are not allowed to touch the science-related equipment unless the equipment relates to a science class.

Request the Use of Equipment

• Equipment is available for check out from Instructional Support and listed on the Instructional Support web site on the Equipment for Instructional Use Page.
• Equipment installed in each Instructional Support classroom is listed through the Tour Page.
• Faculty and staff members may reserve equipment for instructional use only through Instructional Support. If a student needs equipment for an instructional purpose, the request must come from the supervising College of Education faculty/staff member. Requests by other groups will be considered; however, a fee may be charged.
• Distance Education and Instructional Support (DEIS) and other University departments and agencies also provide equipment for instructional needs. Employees of Instructional Support work with these areas to provide additional equipment for the instructional needs of College of Education instructors. (The use of DEIS equipment by groups for purposes other than instruction must pay a fee to DEIS. Instructional Support can facilitate the discussion between the requestor and DEIS, but the requestor is responsible for paying all fees.)
• For information about completing the Instructional Support Request Form, see the list of General Procedures for Making Requests from Instructional Support. The form is on-line at:
  http://www.ed.sc.edu/ois/instructionSupport.asp

Policies for Determining Priority of Equipment Requests

• Every attempt is made to provide equipment to College of Education faculty/staff members who request it for instructional purposes.
• Other groups may not be approved and/or they may have to pay a fee to use the equipment.
• The equipment for regularly scheduled classes that meet in Instructional Support is assigned at the same time rooms are assigned. This occurs early in the semester before the classes meet.
• If someone is not assigned a room because of another's priority for the room, every attempt will be made to provide portable equipment for use in another room on campus.
• If an additional request for a regularly-scheduled event is made after the master room schedule is made and equipment has been scheduled for these groups, every attempt will be made to fulfill the request. This means that a class may not have the same equipment each time the class meets during the semester. An Instructional Support employee will notify the requestor of the dates where conflicts exist as the result of a late request process.
• The priority for assigning equipment is generally based on the purpose of the event, and then it is assigned on a first-come-first-served basis. There are specific priority rules for a few types of equipment, specifically the presentation laptop computers, because of the software that is installed on them. A description of the equipment, including the software on the presentation laptops can be found on the Instructional Support web page, Equipment for Instructional Use Page. In addition to the specific technology needs of the group, the purpose of events helps determine the priority for the equipment.
• Priority by Purpose of Event
1. Instructors of College of Education classes who requested a technology classroom, but were not assigned one because of another's priority.
2. Equipment for regularly-scheduled classes that meet in an Instructional Support room.
3. Training events sponsored by Instructional Support.
4. College of Education classes and other instructional uses by College of Education faculty/staff members.
5. Other College of Education administrative events.
6. Requests by other groups for instructional use and other purposes will be considered; however, a fee may be charged.

Policies for Using Equipment

• General Rules for Using Equipment
  • See the list of General Procedures for Making Requests from Instructional Support for general policies. Some policies specific to the use of equipment include the following:
  • Report problems with equipment or other issues to the Help Desk Employee.
  • Clipboards are located in each classroom at the presentation station for reporting computer problems specific to each station. Report all problems that don't need immediate attention on the clipboard. After completing the form on the clipboard, turn it in at the Help Desk after class.
  • Problems with portable equipment should be reported to the Help Desk employee when the equipment is returned.
  • For immediate assistance with equipment located in one of Instructional Support classrooms or portable equipment from Instructional Support, go to the Help Desk and ask for technical assistance.
  • All equipment is to be used in a legal and ethical way for instructional purposes.
  • Do not try to troubleshoot technical problems, especially on the teleconferencing or projection equipment. Ask for assistance at the Help Desk.
  • The requestor is responsible for equipment during the time that it is reserved.
  • Failure to follow these rules may result in the loss of the privilege of using equipment for the remainder of the semester.
• Checking Out Equipment
  • Only College of Education faculty/staff members are authorized to check out equipment through Instructional Support.
  • Instructional Support equipment must be used for instructional purposes.
  • If a student needs the equipment for an instructional purpose, the request must by submitted from the supervising faculty/staff member. The supervising faculty/staff member assumes all responsibility for the security of the equipment and for returning the equipment on time.
  • The requestor is responsible for picking up and returning equipment on time.
  • Requests by other groups will be considered; however, a fee may be charged.
  • Failure to return equipment on time may interfere with another person's ability to use the equipment. The requestor may lose the privilege of using Instructional Support equipment for the remainder of the semester for missing or damaged equipment or failure to return it on time.
  • A fee may be charged for the use of equipment for events other than College of Education courses.
• Change or Cancel Equipment Request
  • Use the online Instructional Support Request Form to change or cancel a request as soon as possible.
  • To cancel an equipment reservation at the last minute, call the Help Desk. The equipment can then be used by another group.
• General Information About Using Instructional Support Computers
  • All computers are to be used for instructional purposes in a legal and ethical way.
  • Do not download or install anything onto the computers.
  • To arrange to install software, complete the Software Installation Request Form when you reserve the room or the computer equipment. Complete the form to allow sufficient time to install the software, verify licenses, if necessary, and to test the software prior to the event. Once the form is submitted and Instructional Support employee installs the software.
  • Do not save files on computers. The information will be lost when the computer is restarted.
  • To request storage space on a computer for a regularly-scheduled class, indicate this when requesting the classroom or equipment. A folder is made and instructions are provided on how to access this storage area. In addition, storage space may be requested for one-time class meetings or events when requesting the classroom or equipment.
  • Files may be saved by instructors and participants to personal diskette, CD or flash drives. In addition, files may be emailed to a personal email account if there is an internet connection on the computer. Some brands of storage media and external storage devices (especially some brands of USB thumb drives) are not compatible with specific computers. Test storage media before the class/event.
  • To run a file off of the computer, ask for technical support at the Help Desk. A folder can be placed on the desktop of the presentation station for the day of the class/event. The folder will be deleted when the computer is restarted.
  • Printing is available from a few computers in the Instructional Support classrooms. The feature is not available from the presentation laptops or from the COW portable computer lab. Information about the specific stations can be found in the room descriptions on the Tour of Classrooms Page.
  • Allow sufficient time to save any work before the end of the class/event or before the equipment needs to be returned.
  • After the presentation is complete, close programs and remove any items from the folder on the computer. If applicable, students/participants should close all programs on student stations. Log off computers.
  • The Lost and Found box in Instructional Support is located next to the Help Desk. Personal belongings left in classrooms, including storage media, are placed in this box. Instructional Support is not responsible for lost personal items.
  • Policies Specific to the Presentation Laptops
    • The presentation laptops can only be reserved by faculty/staff members for instructional use.
    • Reservations are limited to 24 hours unless there are special circumstances (such as the class meeting on a Saturday).
    • The requestor is responsible for picking up and returning equipment in working condition at the agreed upon time. The requestor is responsible for all of the laptops corresponding accessories including cords and cables.
    • Additional parts needed for a presentation, such as an external floppy drive or cables to connect to large monitors/projectors need to be requested with the laptop. They are not automatically included.
    • To install software on a presentation laptop complete the Software Installation Request Form. Complete the form to allow sufficient time to verify licenses (if necessary) and to install and to test the software prior to the event. This form is linked from the Instructional Support Request Form.
    • Failure to return a presentation laptop on time may interfere with another person's ability to use the equipment. Privileges of using Instructional Support equipment may be suspended for the remainder of the semester for failure to return it on time or for returning it with damaged or missing parts.
  • Policies Specific to the COW - Computer on Wheels -Portable Computer Lab
    • The COW can only be reserved by faculty/staff for instructional use in the Wardlaw Building.
    • Individual Cow laptops are issued by Instructional Support employees as back up when presentation laptops are unavailable, otherwise they cannot be reserved individually.
    • Reservations are limited to 24 hours unless there are special circumstances (such as the class meeting on a Saturday).
    • The requestor is responsible for picking up and returning COW equipment in working condition at the agreed upon time. The requestor is responsible for all of the COW laptops corresponding accessories including cords, cables, mice, power supplies and the access point.
    • Additional parts needed for a presentation, such as the access point, mice, electrical cords, and cables to connect to large monitors/projectors need to be requested with the COW.
    • Test the equipment before the event. Schedule a test date on the online Instructional Support Request Form. This is important if you are using the access point or projection equipment and to allow a plan for the layout of electrical cords.
    • To install software on COW laptops complete the Software Installation Request Form. Complete the form to allow sufficient time to verify licenses (if necessary) and to install and to test the software prior to the event. This form is linked from the Instructional Support Request Form.
    • Allow time at the end of the event to shut down the COW laptops properly and to secure them in the cart. Since the COW includes a large cart, make arrangements with some of the participants to set up the equipment and to return the cart after the event. If necessary, Instructional Support employees can provide this assistance, if requested on the request from. The provision of this assistance is based on the availability of employees.
    • Failure to return the COW on time may interfere with another person's ability to use this equipment. Privileges of using Instructional Support equipment may be suspended for the remainder of the semester for failure to return it on time or for damaged or missing parts.
• Conferencing Equipment (Two-way Videoconferencing and Audio Conferencing Equipment in Wardlaw 274-M)
  • To schedule an event using the conferencing equipment (two-way video and/or audio) complete a second form: the Teleconference Request Form.
  • Include budget code information and an authorized signature on the Teleconference Request Form and submit the form prior to the event. This authorization allows the billing of any long-distance phone charges incurred during the event when audio conferencing is used.
  • Do not touch this equipment. Seek assistance at the Help Desk.
• Using Other Equipment in Classrooms
  • Turn off the presentation equipment, including the computer, projector and/or monitor when the class or event is over.
• Using Other Equipment for Check Out
  • Users are expected to use the equipment resources in a legal and ethical way for instructional purposes.
• Policies Specific to the Projectors
  • The projectors can only be reserved by faculty/staff members for instructional use.
  • Projectors cannot be reserved for more than 24 hours unless there are special circumstances (such as the class meeting on Saturday). It is the requestor's responsibility to assure that the projector is returned in working condition with all of its accessories at the agreed upon time.
  • The projectors are in high demand. Failure to return it on time may interfere with another person's ability to use the equipment. The privilege of using Instructional Support equipment for the remainder of the semester may be suspended for failure to return it on time or for damaged or missing parts.

General Information About Requesting Assistance

• To discuss project ideas with an Instructional Support Employee, complete the appropriate area of the Instructional Support Request Form online.
• To schedule or to plan individual or group training sessions, for a class or for faculty/staff members complete the Individual or Group Training area of the Instructional Support Request Form.
• To purchase software, complete the Assistance Purchasing Software area of the Instructional Support Request Form.
• To request any other assistance not covered, complete the open-ended Additional Request for Services Center or Training Center area of the Instructional Support Request Form.
• If Instructional Support employees are not able to provide the assistance requested, every attempt will be made to identify University and/or community-based resources which can fulfill the request. The Instructional Support employee will assist in the acquisition of these additional resources. A fee may be assessed.

Request Individual or Group Training
Complete the Individual or Group Training area of the request form to contact an Instructional Support employee about a wide range of topics. Use this section of the form to provide the following:

• Get an answer to a quick question about a software program.
• Schedule time to learn to use a new program.
• Schedule a time for a trainer to come to a class to demonstrate some type of educational technology.
• Schedule times for students to work on a project for class.
• Individual training sessions can be set up at an appointed time to meet in faculty/staff offices or in the Training Center. A series of appointments can be scheduled, if necessary.
• Presentations to classes and other group events are available. Be aware that these presentations require advance scheduling to allow the trainer time to develop the appropriate materials and coordinate equipment and personal schedules.

Request Assistance in Purchasing Software

• To answer questions regarding the purchase of software, start by looking at the information about software purchasing on the Services Center area of the Instructional Support web site.
• For additional software questions, complete the Assistance Purchasing Software area of the Instructional Support Request Form. An Instructional Support Employee will provide information about the various licensing and media options available.
• Reduced purchasing rates for software are available for certain software companies and suppliers to the University and the State of South Carolina. Some of this information is listed on our site. If the item can be purchased at a lower price when purchased as multiple licenses, the employee will contact others in the college or University who want to take advantage of the multi-license savings.
  --Note: To install programs which are on University contracts, such as Microsoft Office or Groupwise, or to install a licensed program on a University-owned or -leased computer, complete and submit the College of Education's Information Technology Work Order Form at http://www.ed.sc.edu/oit/workorder/OITWorkorder.asp An employee from that department will verify licensing and install the appropriate version.

Request Other Services or Support
Complete the Additional Request for Services Center or Training Center area of the Instructional Support Request Form for any other services or support not addressed here. If the employees of Instructional Support cannot fulfill the request, they will help identify the appropriate person or agency that can help.