Law firms, at least the large ones, are finally moving towards virtual learning for their lawyers, although many are still reluctant to give up on lessons delivered via CD-ROM, reports Rupert White




E-learning in the legal profession is gradually moving into the world of online e-learning, led by the big law firms. But for now, it seems, the vast majority of practices still prefer to use old technology such as CD-ROMs.



This is the experience of the College of Law, which made the discovery while researching how it should package an e-learning programme for legal secretaries, assistants and support staff.



The college is to launch its e-learning legal support skills programme on four CD-ROMs in April. It has 'set' the course in a 'virtual office' complete with a virtual desk with PC, telephone and digital dictation device. The course runs for ten to 12 hours and, the college says, can be studied at home or at work for an hour or so a week. It does not require supervision from tutors or mentors, including instead tests to check understanding.



But this relatively old-fashioned approach to e-learning might soon be a thing of the past. The larger corporate law firms have been moving to online e-learning for some time, and in the wider world of business online e-learning is beginning to catch on.



Universities are moving in this general direction, including the Open University, which uses its own e-learning solution gained from the Oxford Institute of Legal Practice. Institute director Julie Brannan thinks e-learning needs to be virtual.



'E-learning is an extremely useful teaching tool when used appropriately,' she said. 'Maximum benefits derive from the use of virtual teaching environments, which are interactive and remotely accessible. These environments enable feedback from tutors, something which is obviously not possible with a CD-ROM.'



But it seems law firms still want to stay in their comfort zone, if the College of Law's experience is an indicator. Sarah Hutchinson, its director of professional development, said firms asked for the CDs rather than an online system.



'Before we devised the programme, we interviewed more than 100 law firms and secretaries at a wide variety of firms across the country,' she told the Gazette. 'We offered the option of online or on CD-ROM, and the majority of potential customers preferred the CD version.'



Back in 2004 the Gazette covered a push by some major law firms to develop an online anti-money laundering e-learning

programme. So why are firms still asking for CDs?



'The reason seems to be that some firms may firewall video or sound content, or that some of the secretaries prefer to work offline,' said Ms Hutchinson. 'The greater majority of people expressed the desire or need to have a physical pack, something that could be kept and referred to from time to time.'



But, she said, times are slowly changing, with big firms leading the way into an online world.



'I have noticed a recent change in attitudes towards online delivery of all forms of professional development and training, largely in the major firms,' she said. 'I anticipate that we will be requested to deliver the programme online within the next year or so, and we plan on being ready to respond to the market to meet such demand.'