Technology and Legal Education: Negotiating the Shoals of Technocentrism, Technophobia, and Indifference

11 Pages Posted: 22 Feb 2008

See all articles by Craig T. Smith

Craig T. Smith

affiliation not provided to SSRN

Abstract

Legal educators are demonstrating that with technological teaching aids we can indeed help some students better grasp doctrine, learn legal analysis, and practice other essential lawyering skills. But we also can hinder learning if we use such aids ineffectively. The devil is in the details. Technological tools are no different than, for example, cars: Their value depends on what we do with them and why. This simple truth is too rarely spoken. Contributing to its rarity is the tenacity of three common mindsets: technocentrism, technophobia, and indifference. Like shoals, lurking often unacknowledged below perception and discussion, these mindsets can block us from sensibly assessing the potential pedagogical value of high-tech tools and hinder us from optimally engaging today's students.

Keywords: technology, legal education

Suggested Citation

Smith, Craig T., Technology and Legal Education: Negotiating the Shoals of Technocentrism, Technophobia, and Indifference. Journal of the Association of Legal Writing Directors, Vol. 1, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1095635

Craig T. Smith (Contact Author)

affiliation not provided to SSRN

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