The Instructional Support department is committed to assisting faculty in developing and delivering technology-rich learning materials for both on-campus and distance learning courses. The staff, which includes Sarah Shumpert, Director (ext. 1834) and Richard Smith, Blackboard Manager (ext. 1763), provides consultation and training in on-line course design, web page development, Blackboard (a web-based course management system), and other software packages used to create learning materials. The staff also maintains a number of resources to aid faculty in utilizing technology in their classes, including the following:

Instructional Technology Support Center
The ITSC provides faculty and staff with access to several high-end computers with the latest software (such as PowerPoint, Publisher, Dreamweaver, Photoshop, etc.). The ITSC is located in Room 249C in the Ruby S. Hicks Library/Administration Building, and is open Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., during which assistance is available by calling Richard Smith (2143) or Sarah Shumpert (1834). Faculty may also use the Center from 4:30 p.m. until 10 p.m. Monday – Thursday and from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Saturday by signing out a key at the Library circulation desk.

Blackboard
Blackboard is a web-based course management system that Tri-County uses to deliver its on-line distance learning courses. Blackboard provides a sophisticated set of interactive, password-protected course tools such as quizzes, discussion boards, chat rooms, glossaries, and much more. In addition to being used to deliver entire courses on-line, Blackboard can also be used to enhance traditional on-campus courses. If you would like to enhance your courses with web-based tools, contact Richard Smith by calling extension 1763 or e-mailing rsmith13@tctc.edu. Richard will help you choose the best tools to accomplish your instructional goals, and provide the training and assistance you need to design and implement your project. If you are interested in delivering an entire course on-line (i.e., distance learning), contact your department head or division chair so s/he may assist you in the planning and approval process.