Instructional Equipment

Equipment Available from the Office of Instructional Support (Faculty/Staff only)
Equipment Available on Campus
Wireless Campus
Computer Labs on Campus

Instructional Equipment Available from the Office of Instructional Support (Faculty/Staff only)

Instructional Support maintains a small collection of equipment that can be checked out by College of education faculty and staff members for a short time period and for instructional use. Included in the equipment are: laptops, LCD projectors, overhead projectors, digital still and video cameras, a computer lab on wheels (COW) and audio recorders. Following is a description of some of the equipment.

To reserve equipment please fill out and submit the Instructional Support Reservation Form.

Presentation Laptops
The five presentation laptops (A-E) are for use with presentation stations in the technology classrooms. This offers a portable solution for College of Education instructors who may reserve these laptops for every class meeting or for occassional use.

It is important to identify the type of classroom that is assigned as there may be a need to reserve other equipment or accessories to use technology in the classroom. Even if the instructor uses a personal computer, accessories such as a data projector, cable or access point may be needed.

Enhanced Classrooms
To identify the type of classroom go to Classroom AV Services and follow links to the three different types of technology classrooms.

• Classrooms enhanced with data projectors and complete presentation technology:
  These classrooms are equipped with a data projector, VCR, DVD player, slide projector, document camera, speaker system, and computer network connection. All of the equipment is controlled from an easy-to-use touch screen. The larger rooms also have a wireless microphone for the instructor. Check the room for internet connections. An Instructional Support employee can provide instruction on using the equipment prior to the first meeting.
• Classrooms equipped with data-ready televisions and VCRs:
  These classrooms, the more commonly configured rooms available, are equipped with a 32" television and VCR. The television has connections for a computer. During the next few months, many of the VCRs will be replaced with VCR/DVD players. Special cables, available for check out in Instructional Support, are necessary to connect a laptop to the televisions. All laptops from Instructional Support come with this cable. Specify on the Request Form if internet connections are necessary. Prior to your event an Instructional Support employee can schedule a time to test equipment and internet connections.
• Classrooms equipped with data projectors and VCRs
  These classrooms are equipped with a data projector, VCR, speaker system, and inputs for a computer.
• Classrooms without a data-ready television or enhanced capability:
  LCD projectors are available in Instructional Support and some of the individual College of Education Departments. Cables are included with most projectors to connect a laptop. Test the equipment ahead of time.
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Computers on Wheels (COW) - Portable Computer Lab
The COW is made up of a cart with 24 laptop computers and a portable internet access point. These COW laptops are not reserved individually. The instructor is responsible for the set up and return of the COW to the Training Center. Reserve the COW early to allow sufficient time to test the suitability of the location and to determine if additional accessories are needed, especially if internet access is part of the planned activity. Plan a meeting with an Instructional Support employee prior to your event.

Instructional Equipment
Listed below is the audio-visual equipment currently available from Instructional Support.

* Plan to learn how to use the equipment prior to your planned event. With advance notice, Instructional Support staff can offer assistance in learning how to use specific equipment.

**These tapes are not provided with the equipment. Plan to purchase the tapes prior to checking out the equipment.

If Instructional Support does not have the equipment needed, the employees will work with University Instructional Services (UIS) formerly known as Distance Education and Instructional Support (DEIS) and others to located requested equipment. UIS maintains a list of audio-visual equipment available on the UIS Classroom A/V Services Page.

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Equipment Available on Campus
The University of South Carolina provides basic presentation eqiupment, which includes a data-ready televisioin monitor and VCR, in the majority of campus classrooms. For a list of these basic rooms visit the UIS Classrooms Equippped wtih Data-ready Televisions and VCRs site.

In addition, Enhanced Classrooms on campus are equipped with slide projectors, audiotape players, LCD Projectors, and a cable to connect your laptop. Each room may be equipped a little differently, so please refer to the UIS Classrooms Enhanced with Complete Presentation Tecnhology site for information about the specific equipment in each classroom. To see a list of the "Semi enhanced" classrooms, those classrooms which have an LCD projector, a VCR and a laptop connection go to the UIS Classrooms Equipped with Data Projectors and VCRs site.

If additional audiovisual equipment is needed in a classroom on campus, refer to the list of UIS Media Equipment Delivery for Non-Enhanced Classrooms site. Be aware that a fee may apply if you are using the equpment for any event other than a Univeristy course.

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Wireless Campus
The University is developing a wireless network across campus. For more information about this plan, go to the Wireless @ USC site.

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Computer Labs on Campus

• The College of Education Training Center has a few public computers for student use, Monday through Friday from 8:00am - 5:00pm. Students can check email or work in Microsoft Office. To use computers loaded with more unique software, students can make an appointment with an Instructional Support trainer by calling 777-4475.
• USC hosts a number of computer labs at various locations across campus. These labs are open to all students. For a list of labs, hours and locations refer to the Columbia Campus Computing Labs site.

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