On November 3, 2010, the topic of the weekly lunchtime Faculty Teaching/Scholarship workshop at Albany Law School was “Technology” and, specifically, how TWEN can add a new dimension to law school learning. Instead of providing a “how-to” workshop by me, the Instructional Technologist, we decided that it would be more useful for the faculty to hear from their peers.
I began the session sharing the results of a pre-semester survey which asked the faculty: Which Westlaw TWEN options do you use to enhance student learning? and Which options would you like to learn more about?
The responses to the 1st question indicated a preponderance of static content and a lack of opportunity for interactivity by students. The 2nd question pointed to an interest by faculty in hearing about discussions, wikis and embedding digital content.
During the next part of the workshop, six faculty members discussed their experiences using the following interactive TWEN tools:
- (Discussion) Forums
- Customized Polling (Surveys)
- Wikis
They focused on the advantages they saw in using that tool and shared lessons learned. The presentation with notes added (in red) is posted below:
All in all, the workshop was very well received. A survey has been posted to TWEN to solicit additional feedback.
More technology workshops of this type are planned.
The next one is scheduled for Feb. 2, 2011. The topic will be Digital Student Recording & Assessment.
Filed under: Catalysts For Change, Technology |
Best Practices for Legal Education 
I’m surprised that TWEN’s quiz function was not touched on. In my experience, the ability to offer online multiple-choice quizzes with instant feedback is among TWEN’s greatest features. They offer both me and my students the opportunity to assess the level of learning as the course progresses.
I agree. It is a very useful assessment tool. I have convinced a professor just today to use it in his Crim Law class next semester.