bhlowy

=**Brian H. Lowy**= Instructor Paralegal Studies

I teach Introduction the Law and Ethics, Legal Research, Criminal Law and Legal Analysis in the Paralegal Program in Professional Studies. Almost all of my students have degrees and for most of them they are looking to change careers. The age range is from 22 to 60+.

I have created a website that I use for LMS ([]). However, it is more of an information delivery system. On this website I have my course outlines, comments section (for giving students a heads-up on new material posted and also providing comments on past and upcoming classes), course materials (including the course books), assignments, and a way for students to send me emails. I would love to create a way to make it interactive between the students who work in groups on at least one assignment and between the students and me.


 * What are the learning objectives of the course you want to make hybrid?** There are many parts of the courses I teach that would be best taught in a one-to-one setting. There are certain areas of law that some students get in a second and others in an hour or so (e.g., citation form).


 * What are the essential things you need to communicate to your students? Your students to you?** When new material is posted; clarification of things I explained in class; preparation for the next class.


 * What kinds of things do you want your students to do in your class? What do your students need to do to show they have learned the material in your course?**
 * In Introduction to Law, it is two exams and two group presentations dealing with legal analysis (i.e., the application of facts to law to solve a legal problem).
 * In Legal Research it is three memos of law and a quick citation.
 * In Criminal Law it is an exam on knowledge and the written assignments showing the application of knowledge for practical purposes (e.g., a memo of law and a motion/answer).


 * What kinds of things have you wanted to do in your course but not been able to?** Quizzes on certain topics (my students have actually asked for them). Also short interactive lesson in areas of law.


 * What are your good and bad past experiences with Learning Management Systems?** It has taken me several versions of the website to get it to the point where I feel it works for the students–but not all of the students. My students experience with the online world ranges from those who live online to those who view it as foreign. Creating a LMS for everyone has been challenging.


 * What are you most concerned about losing in the transition from the classroom to online?** There are students, especially the older students, who are not comfortable with using the computer online.