1. USING TECHNOLOGY TO PREPARE THE PRACTICE-READY STUDENT Kim Peterson University of Wisconsin Law School

2. Incorporating Technology into the Law Class ◦ Why incorporate technology? ◦ How do I incorporate technology into my class?

3. Incorporating Technology ◦ Incorporate technology in the classroom to enhance learning, not replace the traditional class. ◦ Course websites ◦ Effective PowerPoint presentations ◦ Games/quizzes ◦ Simulations

4. Why do it? Seven Principles for Good Practice in Legal Education Encourages student-faculty contact Encourages cooperation among students Encourages active learning Gives prompt feedback Emphasizes time on task Communicates high expectations Respects diverse talents and ways of learning Gerald F. Hess, Seven Principles for Good Practice in Legal Education: History and Overview, 49 J. Leg. Educ. 367 (1999).

5. Active Learning & Prompt Feedback ◦ Active Learning - Achieved when students do more than listen – ◦ Prompt Feedback – Allow students to test themselves, and see immediately whether they are understanding the material.

6. Different Learning Styles ◦ PowerPoint presentations - may help visual learners. ◦ E-mail and discussion forums – can benefit those learners that are less comfortable speaking in class. ◦ Computerized tutorials and simulations - assist active learners. Stephen M. Johnson, www.lawschool.edu: Legal Education in the Digital Age, 2000 Wis. L. Rev. 85, 101-02 (2000)

7. Student-Centered ◦ Technology allows students to access course material at their own pace, and whenever and wherever they are. ◦ Students have more control over their own learning. ◦ More enjoyable learning experience. Stephen M. Johnson, Www.lawschool.edu: Legal Education in the Digital Age, 2000 Wis. L. Rev. 85, 102 (2000)

8. How do I incorporate technology? ◦ First – define the goals for your classroom. ◦ What do you want students learn? ◦ Second – determine what technology is available to effectuate or enhance your teaching in these areas.

9. WebcourseWebcourse Format ◦ Allow students to access material easier. ◦ Can post informational material that you want students to review, but you don’t have time to cover in class. ◦ Can be more “on the fly” – adjust your classroom materials to what the students need to learn. ◦ Saves paper.

10. PowerPoint Presentations ◦ Appeal to the visual learner. Enhances listening – less note-taking. ◦ Students can review the information again later – gain more insight when the information is reviewed again. ◦ Can provide examples that the students can assess, digest.

11. Computer Simulations ◦ Make the problem more “real” for the students. ◦ Engage the students – so that their writing might reflect the increased level of engagement. ◦ Simulate a real “case file.” ◦ Allow other activities ◦ Use the simulation throughout a section of the course for a variety of in-class exercises to encourage more in-depth analysis of the law and facts.

12. Landlord Tenant Simulation ◦ My Goals: ◦ Learn how to read and brief a case. ◦ Start learning how to read a case in depth, focusing on a client’s particular problem. ◦ Learn how to recognize a legal issue. ◦ Learn how to find and write about the “relevant” facts. ◦ Learn how to describe the law on a legal issue and then apply the facts to that issue.

13. Slip and Fall Simulation ◦ Similar goals – ◦ Added a letter to the client seeking additional facts. ◦ Students read the cases I provided, we worked on a synthesis of those cases in class. ◦ The in-depth work – analysis and understanding the cases – was done in class. However, the students could prepare for that in-class activity outside of class, using the simulation.

14. Computer Exercises ◦ Editing Exercise Editing Exercise ◦ Reinforces self-editing techniques taught in class. ◦ Explains legal writing concepts using a first-year student’s paper. ◦ Allows students to review concepts at their own pace. ◦ Case Reading Exercise Case Reading Exercise ◦ Saves class time for other activities. ◦ Reinforces concepts discussed in the reading.

15. Quizzes ◦ Allow students to self-assess their knowledge of important concepts. ◦ Reinforces concepts taught in class already, but works to apply those concepts in different ways. ◦ Quiz #1 Quiz #1 ◦ Quiz #2 Quiz #2

16. Software ◦ Can use the Case Builder software from University of Wisconsin for a non-commercial use.Case Builder ◦ Need to teach yourself how to use this. ◦ Other commercial software development tools available ◦ Ask your technology department.

17. Don’t Forget! Assess What You Are Doing ◦ Ask the students – ◦ Periodic assessment of these techniques can be helpful. ◦ Students will give you useful feedback on how they liked the use of technology. ◦ Get out of your comfort zone – ◦ But no need to go crazy. ◦ Assess the writing at the end of the semester – ◦ Better than before? ◦ Were your goals accomplished?

18. Summary ◦ Incorporate technology to enhance traditional course goals. ◦ Just a different way to do things. ◦ Can be faster, more convenient for students, and help with student learning. ◦ Be sure you explain assignments clearly. ◦ Don’t do too much. ◦ Explain to students why you are incorporating this technology. ◦ Periodic Assessment of what you are doing is important. ◦ Be willing to alter the plan based upon student feedback.