Developing an e-learning strategy for a modern law school

contributors | abstract | presentation | biographies

Contributors

Sarah King (Birmingham City University)

Format

Paper presentation and discussion forum.

Abstract

This contribution seeks to generate discussion about the planning and preparation of an e-learning strategy designed to meet the needs of a modern law school. Some of the themes to be discussed include:

• If we accept that there is a place for e-learning within a law school is there really any need for an e-learning strategy or is this just more paperwork?

• What are the perceived barriers to producing an effective e-learning strategy? How can we overcome them?

• Is there a “one size fits all” strategy – should a strategy be produced at institution level or at department level?

• What should a strategy aim to achieve and over how long?

• Should the terms of a strategy be imposed from above or proposed from below?

• How do you go about implementing a strategy?

• How is a strategy’s success measured?

The session will start with a brief introduction highlighting some of the benefits that e-learning can bring to the study of law and, briefly, considering how e-learning can aid flexibility of learning and student engagement. The contributor will also briefly highlight some of the e-learning projects that individuals have been working on in her own law school, including a virtual solicitors’ office, personal development planning using e-portfolios (Mahara), repackaging content using Wimba Create and producing distance learning materials using Captivate.

Delegates will then be invited to answer the question: “Do we need a strategy to take this forward and, if so, why?”

The second part of the session will focus on group discussion relating to how a strategy might be formulated and what should be included. Some of the themes set out above will be discussed. Reference will be made, as appropriate, to existing guidance in this area – including the JISC infoKits on implementing e-learning and strategy. Delegates will be asked to share their own experience of formulating strategy and will also be invited to offer suggestions on perceived barriers to the production and implementation of an e-learning strategy and how these might be overcome. This might include discussion about cost, time, staff resistance, training needs and management support.

In the final part of the session the contributor will look at literature and research into both general and specific strategic development and implementation issues and will share her own experience of putting together a strategy, and feedback on how the implementation is progressing in her own institution, including the student and staff response. The strategy document will be available to view by interested delegates after the Conference.

Presentation

Short biographies of panel members

Sarah King qualified as a solicitor in 1997 and worked in the commercial property department of a large commercial practice in Birmingham. She joined the Law School at Birmingham City University in 2001 and has since taught on a number of programmes including the LLB, GDL and LPC.

Together with a colleague in the Law School Sarah set up a virtual solicitors’ office to support the studies of postgraduate students, which was rolled out in 2009/10. More recently she has become the Learning, Teaching and Assessments Advisor in the Law School and one of her first tasks has been to co-ordinate e-learning pilots within the School and formulate a strategy for taking these forward.

Last Modified: 7 February 2011