A Case Study of Changing the Learning Environment in Law: Introducing Computer-Supported Collaborative Activities

This article reports on a 3-year case study of the introduction of computer-supported collaborative activities in a previously traditional lecture-based law course at a large North American research university. The evolving design of the activities is described, as well as the students' and professor's reactions to the new learning environment. Results show that students perceived that the new emphasis on skills was valuable, and that the collaborative learning activities contributed to their learning of content and technical skills as well as teamwork. Implications for design of such activities as well as factors to consider are presented, for instance, any changes must be considered systemically, with evaluation and workload being key components.

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