Law students' perspectives of the affect of academics' use of technology

Abstract

Previous work within the Faculty of Law, QUT had considered law students' perceptions and use of technology and how to manage that use without it becoming a distraction. Students' willingness to use technology for their learning purposes, however, had not been tested. The research seeks to understand the affect of law academics' in class use of technology for both law and justice students. Students' use and their perception of academics use in lectures and tutorials was tested by means of an online survey conducted on an anonymous and voluntary basis. The analysis of results revealed that the majority of respondents rarely use technology in class for their learning purposes. However, most indicated that academic in class use of technology enabled their learning. The research also reinforced the need to make any level of engagement with technology meaningful for students. In particular it identified the need to ensure that students are enabled, by appropriate training, in their use of any required databases or software.