Computer-Based Exercises in Law Schools

Of the various types of study aids, computer-based exercises provide the most interactive and individualized form of learning. The major provider of computer-based exercises is the Center for Computer-Assisted Legal Instruction (CALI), which is a consortium of over 125 law schools. CALI has created a large number of exercises on a variety of subjects, and the exercises are available for all major types of computers. The exercises are available in many law school computer labs, oftentimes free of charge to students.

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The exercises come in a variety of formats, including simulated trials. The most common format is a series of questions and answers on a particular legal subject. In this format, the computer asks you a question. If you answer correctly, the computer asks another question. If you answer incorrectly, the computer asks you to give another answer. After the correct answer has been identified, the computer explains why the answer is correct.

After every ten questions, the computer displays your score for those ten questions and for the entire exercise. At the end of the exercise, the computer asks whether you want to review the questions you answered incorrectly and compares your final score to those of other students who have completed the exercise.

Like other types of study aids, computer-based exercises should be viewed as supplements to, and not as substitutes for, assigned readings and class attendance. The exercises normally do not cover all the topics studied in a class. In this way, they are less useful than other types of, study aids. The exercises are excellent tools, however, for testing knowledge and for reinforcing weak areas. Plus, many students enjoy using the exercises as a change of pace from reading casebooks and more traditional types of study aids.

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1. EXAM REVIEWS

The primary focus of exam reviews, such as FI-NALS, Ryan Law Capsules, and Siegel's Answers to Essay and Multi-Choice Questions, is preparing students for exams. Although some exam reviews include brief outlines or summaries of the law, they primarily consist of sample essay questions, multiple-choice questions, and answers. The exam reviews explain the answers and the underlying reasoning process.

The better exam reviews, however, do more than simply provide practice questions and answers.

They also attempt to teach. Knowing the subject matter of a course may be insufficient to guarantee a good grade. You exam-taking skills also must be proficient at the skills required for law school exams. Although these skills come naturally for some students, many other students could improve their performance by studying and practicing exam-taking skills. For these students in particular, an exam review could be helpful.

Unlike other study aids, exam reviews are not designed to teach the substance of a course. Substantive discussions tend to be brief and basic, and some subjects may not be discussed at all. Many questions may address subjects not covered in your class, and few or none may address subjects that were covered in great detail. Therefore, if you do not know or understand the course materials, an exam review is not the resource to use.

On the other hand, if you know the materials, an exam review can be useful as you prepare for exams. The multiple-choice questions in an exam review can help you understand the basic components, as well as the details, for a great deal of material. The essay questions will give you practice spotting issues and organizing and writing answers within a set time limit. By working through both types of questions, you can fine tune your skills and learn from your mistakes before taking the final exam.

2. FLASHCARDS

Flashcard sets, such as Law in a Flash and Study Partner Flashcards, are available for many courses in the law school curriculum. Each set of flash-cards is indexed and follows an organizational outline. Normally, a set of flashcards includes several hundred black letter and hypothetical questions. The front of the card asks the question, and the back gives a relatively brief answer. Flashcards also sometimes include mnemonic devices to aid retention.

Some students who have difficulty remembering what they have read find flashcards to be a useful tool. By being forced to think through an answer before reading the answer, the cards require more focused attention than do other, more passive types of study aids. Repeatedly drilling with flashcards also can help students retain what they have read on the cards.

Flashcards also provide an opportunity for studying in groups, which adds variety to your study routine and helps you learn from your peers. After reading a question, the group members discuss the best answer to the question. In this way, you will be actively involved in learning and will be forced to stay alert and attentive. In fact, the group often will formulate a better answer than the one on the card. '

Some students find flashcards to be most helpful before beginning a new subject in class. The materials on the flashcards can inform your reading of the class assignments and your participation in class discussions. Other students find the cards to be most helpful when reviewing for exams. Which-ever way you use them, you should be careful not to let them create a false sense of confidence. The statements of law on the cards often can be simplistic. Because the law is complex, slight factual differences in a problem can lead to very different results.

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