At Chicago-Kent, we began teach an integrated program of computer and
manual research to our first year, first semester students last Fall.
I will summarize briefly what we did; I would be happy to discuss our
experience - both pro and con - if anybody would like to contact me
directly.
Students were given their Lexis and Westlaw passwords during Orientation
Week (at the same time, they received their KentNet passwords - entry to
the law school's extensive network). As part of the first year Legal
Research and Writing class, the library reference staff taught 4
laboratory sessions which each focussed on a specific area of legal
research; e.g., cases, statutes, secondary sources, etc. Both manual and
computer research strategies were covered as part of the session - we
would find a case through manual research and then go online.
To introduce the student to both Lexis and Westlaw, they were given a
"take-home" worksheet prior the the lab sessions that went through sign-on
procedures, Lexsee, Find, sign-off, and other basic database procedures.
We are fortunate to have a great computer classroom/network setup at C-K
that allows each student maximum access to the databases and they are able
to dial into the network from their home pc's. We also have a 3 year
legal research and writing requirement, so we are able to continue to
build their research skills in a progressive manner.
Gretchen Van Dam
Head of Research Services
Chicago-Kent College of Law
565 W. Adams St.
Chicago, IL 60661
(313)906-5672
GVANDAM@MAIL.KENTLAW.EDU
This archive was generated by hypermail 2b29 : 03/09/00 PST