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Technology & Instructional Support Services

The mission of Technology and Instructional Support Services (TISS) is to provide information, expertise, and resources that support all areas of Haywood Community College. The principles of student-centered learning, customer service, information literacy, and lifelong learning are fundamental to the vision of TISS. The overall mission of TISS is to

  1. enhance accessibility to resources
  2. disseminate information
  3. support multiple methods of instruction and diverse learning styles
  4. provide opportunities for professional development

The Technology and Instructional Support Services division includes four departments that support teaching and learning:  Information Technology Services, Distance Learning, the Learning Resource Center, and Research and Institutional Effectiveness. As a division the mission of TISS is to provide information, expertise, and resources that support all areas of Haywood Community College. To fulfill its mission, TISS objectives are to enhance the accessibility to resources, disseminate information, support multiple methods of instruction and diverse learning styles and to provide opportunities for professional growth. The following summarizes the services and program of each department in the TISS division that support teaching and learning at HCC.

Information Technology Services

The Information Technology Team at Haywood Community College will provide our customers with the highest quality information services possible in a cost- effective, timely and customer-oriented fashion.

Outcomes

  1. Work requests are handled in a timely, efficient, and professional manner.
  2. Faculty and staff are aware of technology request system.
  3. Computers are regularly upgraded.
  4. Expanded computer labs for student use.

The Information Technology Services (ITS) department provides resources and support for academic and administrative systems across Haywood Community College campus.  ITS is responsible for all telephone, data processing, and computing needs of the faculty, staff, and students. Network services provided by ITS to support instructional and administrative services include but are not limited to:

  • Email/Groupware
  • Web hosting and development
  • FTP
  • VPN
  • IP Telephony
  • Print services
  • File sharing
  • Help Desk support

Throughout the main campus and the Haywood Community College Regional High Tech Center there are a total of 18 computer laboratories with anywhere from 7 to 36 computers in each laboratory and one Information Highway room. Haywood Community College has deployed two campus-wide technology applications that facilitate student/faculty communications and student learning:  Campus Cruiser and Web Advisor.

Distance Learning

Distance Learning at HCC seeks to provide high-quality learning opportunities to students in all stages of life through the use of state-of-the-art technology and alternative modes of instruction.

Outcomes

  1. Support provided to students using Distance Learning Web tools.
  2. Faculty trained in distance learning instructional methodologies
  3. Online course/program offerings expanded
  4. Distance Learning information is accessible and easy to use.
  5. Increased awareness of online courses, programs, and services
  6. Online orientation provided for Distance Learning Students.

Distance Learning (DL) is responsible for all aspects of Blackboard, HCC's primary course management system. The Distance Learning staff train faculty in effective uses of Blackboard, create and populate courses, and assist students with questions about Blackboard.

Additionally, DL provides training and resources to faculty in other matters, such as online pedagogy and new teaching tools (e.g., wikis, podcasts). DL also serves as a help desk for students who have technology concerns or questions about their online courses. DL maintains both a student and a faculty help desk web site containing resources such as tutorial videos and FAQs.

The DL department maintains a faculty media lab containing the following stations:

  • Windows Station- Camtasia screen capture, Windows Movie Maker video editor, Audacity audio editor, Web camera, Scanner, Document camera, and Pinnacle video editor.
  • Apple Station - iMovie video editor and Final Cut Express video editor
  • Dubbing Station - VHS to DVD and DVD to VHS capabilities

Learning Resource Center

 The mission of the Freedlander Library and Learning Resource Center is to inspire, promote, and strengthen learning throughout the HCC community by providing current collections and technology in support of the College's institutional vision, mission, strategic plans and educational programs.

Outcomes

  1. Workshops provided for students on how to use the library.
  2. Increased participation in the use of the library.
  3. Resources are provided for each discipline and updated annually.
  4. Operational hours meet the needs of students.

The Freedlander Learning Resource Center serves as the information gateway for the Haywood Community College community, with its services, collections, and resources being accessible to all faculty, staff, and students. Formal instruction is also provided through general bibliographic and subject-specific research sessions.

Research and Institutional Effectiveness

 The Research and Institutional Effectiveness (RIE) department maintains and tracks a variety of information sources.  RIE provides data acquisition and dissemination, coordinates course evaluations, and supports strategic planning efforts. 

The mission of the Haywood Community College Department of Research and Institutional Effectiveness is to develop, implement, and evaluate the processes by which departments of the College use institutional data. By offering reporting and interpretation services the Research Office advocates data-supported informed decision and policy making. The RIE administers surveys and evaluation as part of College-wide assessment. The RIE Coordinator is the College designated as the Skilled-Knowledge Worker who submits and retrieves data from NCCCCSO Data Warehouse. The RIE Coordinator, as NCCCSO Data Coordinator insures accurate and timely reporting of State Reports by various HCC staff.

The research and planning office efforts focus on improving student learning and development, programs and services through assessment and evaluation consistent with our college mission. Sharing information provides data for leaders in making critical decisions and to determine institutional effectiveness. It is our goal to:

  1. Provide demographic data on students, target populations, and service area
  2. Assess student satisfaction with instruction, programs, and services
  3. Conduct periodic assessments of services by students, faculty, and staff
  4. Perform program evaluations at least every three years
  5. Provide data on assessments and evaluations to leaders, faculty and staff, and state and federal offices as a basis for improvement
  6. Lead campus-wide strategic planning and evaluation efforts
  7. Assist with SACS requirements and reaccreditation efforts

Outcomes

  1. Results of surveys and evaluations distributed
  2. State reports for NCCCSO and Critical Success Factors accurate and submitted on time
  3. Support provided to faculty and staff in completion of requested data
  4. RIE Web site (HCC electronic facts book)current and informative
  5. SACS annual reports completed accurately and timely
This page was last modified on Friday, August 01, 2008 at 10:30 AM