Ken Swift Hamline Law School

In the fall semester 2012 the number of students enrolled in at least one distance education course was: 25% of undergrads 30% of graduate students U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics

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No distance-learning until 28 credits Up to 1/3 of a course may be distance-learning and the course is not considered distance-learning 12 credits per career 4 credits per semester 15 per career No limit per semester

“Whether you think it’s a good idea or you don’t, it’s reality,” Broderick says. “Even I live on an iPad. So the world is moving on. And American legal education and American higher education needs to the accept that and adapt.” New Hampshire School of Law Dean John Broderick 5/6/14, NHPR

Distance Learning does NOT equal a MOOC Massive Open Online Course

Synchronous v. Asynchronous

Which course should I develop? Macro Considerations: Rule Based - (PR, Evidence) “Survey” – (Employment Law, IP) Easy to develop discussion topics Demand Seminar Free flow discussion Nuanced case law analysis

Which course should I develop? Micro Considerations: Use a class you have previously taught How much to cover Notes and PowerPoints Questions Enjoy the material? Can a Legal Writing course be a good online course selection?

Explicitly tell your students: What to do When to do it Which order to do it in Consistency Due Dates Structure

Structure your course based upon what works in your brick-and-mortar classroom Lecture? Questions – Socratic or otherwise? Small group discussions or projects?

Framing issues and topics Presenting primary principles Structure and order Weekly intro 3-5 minutes Use Videos Audio recording play on ipod, car Key Principle: Keep the presentations short minutes each

Recording Program Audacity – Free Download Microphone Create Mp3 files

Tools: 1. Video production software Camtasia Studio 2. Capture Tools: pictures and screen captures 3. Microphone 4. Camera 5. Time

1. Not face time 2. Use: PowerPoint slides Photos Charts & Graphs Screen Captures Intro/Exit Music 3. Optional: Video hosting site - Screencast

If created correctly provides many advantages over brick and mortar Students must get interactive with all material every week Everyone must answer - no hiding, no passing

1. Two types: A. Show understanding of material Multiple choice, multiple answer, etc. B. Show that they can apply principles: In EL - Short answer, skills exercises (interrog., statute draft), longer In LRW - Exercises, individual, group 2. Use: Website CALI

1. Required by ABA 2. Want and need interaction 3. Group work: A. In Employment Law: Discussions -small groups, rules B. In LRW: Exercises Assignments One required face to face meeting

Instructor initiated Three R RR egular eminders esponsiveness

A. Not going away Expansion of credits/term opens possibilities Allow students to be “away” B. Personal Benefits: Extra Income Job Security Advancement

Try a unit -1/3 Rule If you enjoy the process try another or a whole class

Ken Swift Hamline Law School