E. Model Policies

• Author: Rebecca Purdom - Greg Brandes - Karen Westwood
• Pages: 106-119

106

Appendix E1

Model Law School Distance Learning

Policy

1. Purpose

This policy is designed to guide the law school in the development, delivery, and evaluation of JD

distance learning education in accordance with the requirements of American Bar Association’s Standard

306.

2. Definitions

2.1 Distance Education. The American Bar Association defines a distance education course as one in

which students are separated from the faculty member or each other for more than one-third of the

instruction and the instruction involves the use of technology to support regular and substantive

interaction among students and between the students and the faculty member, either synchronously or

asynchronously. In accordance with Interpretation 306-1 of the ABA Standards, various technologies

may be used to support instruction in a distance learning course, including the Internet, audio and video

conferencing, open or closed circuit broadcasting or wired/wireless communication, and various physical

media (e.g., DVD) technologies.

2.2 Distance Learning Course (“Course”). A Course is a discrete product of developed material, including

but not limited to, syllabi, introductory material, articulated learning goals, assigned materials (readings,

podcasts, web links, text assignments, prepared PowerPoints, etc.), assignments and assessment

mechanisms. A Course is a completed unit that may be taught multiple times.

2.3 Distance Learning Class (“Class”). A Class is the version of a course that is delivered by a teaching

professor and taught to students. There may be multiple classes for a single course. Classes may be

delivered either asynchronously or synchronously. See sections 2.7 and 2.8, below.

2.4 Course Developer. A Course Developer is the person who designs and prepares a course, paying

particular attention to developing appropriate materials, activities and assessments tied to learning goals.

A Course Developer may be a faculty member with specific content knowledge, and/or learning

specialists and technical experts tasked with developing and designing a course.