Part 2: Web Conferencing (Live Paralegal Classes)
This series addresses some technical issues important for anyone thinking about taking paralegal classes online. In Part 1 of this series, I discussed the importance of Learning Management Systems. I would like now to discuss the synchronous component of our online paralegal classes, Blackboard Collaborate.
Some may think of online or distance learning as completely asynchronous, meaning students and instructors access course content at different times and post assignments and updates periodically. This is indeed an effective and necessary component of distance learning, but unfortunately doesn't provide the synchronous or real-time component many enjoy and expect when taking classes.
Web Conferencing provides the synchronous or real-time component many feel is necessary to replicating a truly interactive learning experience in an online environment. At Center for Advanced Legal Studies, we rely on Blackboard Collaborate as our web conferencing solution and couldn't be more pleased with the results.
Blackboard Collaborate Web Conferencing allows:
- Real-time interaction between instructors and students
- Simultaneous audio and video of instructors and students
- Sharing of PowerPoint slides and other instructional materials
- Application sharing to demonstrate software programs and websites
- Breakout Rooms to facilitate group activities and study sessions
- Interactive tools such as hand raising and poll question responses
- Live chat interaction with students and instructors
- Session recording for future review and local download
- Mobile device support such as iOS and Android devices
The capabilities of Blackboard Collaborate are truely amazing, and our students have enjoyed attending paralegal classes online since its adoption.
Below, I have prepared a short video highlighting some of the technologies employed in our online paralegal certificate and online paralegal degree programs, including Blackboard Learn and Blackboard Collaborate. I'm not a trained narrator, so please forgive me. I have a voice best suited for print...
Online learning technology keeps advancing, and we have seen tremendous progress in the capabilities of Blackboard Learn and Blackboard Collaborate over the past several years. We feel we have adopted the very best learning technologies available, and have avoided the sketchy platforms that have hindered many colleges in providing high quality online paralegal certificate and online paralegal degree programs. The technology used really does make a difference!
Online learning is here to stay, and schools that embrace the right technologies will continue to provide students with the most effective and technologically sound learning solutions. That is our goal at CALS, and our faculty and staff are dedicated to providing students with the best paralegal education available; whether online or on-campus.
I'd love to get your thoughts and feedback! Please post your comments below.
And, if you are interested in learning more about our online paralegal certificate or online paralegal degree programs, please give us a call or request more information with the following link. We look forward to hearing from you.
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Eric H. Happe
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