Instructional Support Services (ISS) – a division of Information Technology Services – is a department specially designed to provide comprehensive support for all computer labs and technology-enabled learning spaces. As detailed below, the department makes use of the 25Live Platform for the provision of room descriptions and scheduling.
UMSL uses the 25Live application for the scheduling of classrooms and larger meeting spaces. It is a cloud-based platform enabling faculty and staff members to view class schedules (and room descriptions) for every on-campus space managed by Instructional Support Services. Faculty and staff can use this information to preview any ISS-supported space. They can also, if needed, identify and request spaces best meeting their instructional needs. For more information on the 25Live online tool, please visit the Office of the Registrar's 25Live help page.
Seven open computing labs are available for student use while on campus. Besides basic computing, some labs provide other special services, such as assistance with general writing and math. The Instructional Support Services department employs lab staff (consultants) in several of these open labs who will, upon request, orient students to lab computers and print solutions. They will also help with Canvas, Office 365, and Single Sign-on (SSO) system login. Please note: Though consultants can help resolve many software issues they will not complete student coursework or assist students with computer-programming assignments.
The Instructional Support Services Department manages five types of learning spaces: Instructor Workstation, HyFlex (Hybrid-Flexible), Technology-Enhanced (TEC), Learning Studio, and Pole Mount (Stick). The technology in all rooms includes internet provided on the UMSL network through wired and wireless (wifi) connections. All rooms also have the hardware required to display a computer desktop image from the instructor station (lectern monitor) to a wall screen via ceiling-mounted projectors. Most lectern monitors have interactive touchscreens.
Some rooms are equipped with an audio system for microphone voice reinforcement and ceiling-speaker output. If microphones are present, they are located on the instructor stations. Some rooms may also have ceiling-mounted microphones for picking up the voices of in-class participants, enhancing collaboration between face-to-face students and remote learners who are accessing the course through Zoom or other live conferencing solutions.
The standard instructor workstation classrooms and lecture halls feature a technology configuration with an integrated sound system and ceiling-mounted projector. Many of these classrooms and halls also include web cams and microphones for voice reinforcement.
They utilize an audio-visual Control Console located on top of the instructional station/lectern. Though lecture halls and classrooms share the same technology elements, lecture halls feature greatly expanded seating capacity. Again, please visit 25 Live if you have any questions on the specific types of hardware available.
These classrooms support “HyFlex” learning – a teaching model integrating in-person, Zoom remote, and fully online modes of engagement. These rooms all offer an instructional workstation computer and standard presentation tools: projectors, displays, and digital document cameras. They also have the capacity to display guest devices through wireless ScreenBeam technology. Interactive audio tools include ceiling-mounted speakers and microphones to enhance collaboration between face-to-face and remote students and a dedicated instructor microphone mounted on top of the teacher workstation.
Wall-mounted cameras are located at the back of the rooms. They are programmed to focus on three defined areas: a wide frame of the entire room, a medium frame containing the presentation screen and presenter station, and a narrow frame focussed exclusively on the presenter at the lectern. These frames are selected with preset buttons on the lectern Control Console. A few classrooms are equipped with a footpads behind the lectern that, when stepped on, automatically focus cameras on the presenter.
Some rooms feature secondary wall-mount displays allowing face-to-face students to view remote participants on one screen while presentation content is displayed on the other. These displays, as with all other audio and video elements, are selected through the Control Console on top of the lectern, in conjunction with Zoom settings for choosing microphones, speakers, and cameras. To see the complete list of hardware configurations for individual rooms, please visit 25 Live .
Technology-enhanced classrooms are equipped with individual, networked computers for all students and an additional instructor workstation. The instructor controls these advanced systems through an electronic console mounted on top of the instructor workstation. TECs can vary in size and hardware available; to see the complete list of hardware configurations for each room, visit 25 Live and browse the listing of all campus instructional spaces.
Learning Studios are innovative classrooms designed to meet various pedagogical needs. The rooms feature mobile technology and flexible room arrangements. They typically include wireless laptops for student check-out within the room along with an instructional workstation computer. Learning Studios may also include dual monitors at the instructor station, integration with a SMART Whiteboard or Display, dual ceiling-mounted projectors, and a digital document camera. The instructor controls these advanced systems through an electronic console mounted on the instructor workstation. Please visit 25 Live for a complete listing of Learning Studio hardware and configurations.
Pole mount rooms (also known as Stick Rooms) are equipped with a networked computer station attached to a mobile and adjustable stand. This is combined with an integrated sound system and ceiling-mounted projector. Many of these classrooms also include web cams and microphones to support remote learning.
Instructors can control classroom audio/video options through a panel-switch mounted on the wall. You can access a list of equipment specific to each room on 25 Live.
