The quarterly publication of the International Legal Technology Association
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/67910
knowledgeable user for help than to ask the IT department. As new, tech-savvy generations have entered the law firm environment, this trend has accelerated. Perhaps it is time for educators to embrace it. Many users are quite comfortable with the concept of posting a message to ask for help on Facebook or ILTA's e-groups. This technology could be implemented within the walls of a law firm, allowing those who really do know the most to help those who are not as educated on specific issues. Educators can join these communities, celebrating those who provide answers and devoting time to develop new classes that provide quick answers to user- generated questions. Create Your Own Version of Google: For many users, their first resort to solve any problem is to Google it and see what shows up. While I am certain many in the law firm environment do just that when they have a problem, what would happen if the law firm could index their knowledge and provide their own internal "Google"? Solutions and answers from peers, knowledge gathered by educators, and tips, tricks, policies and procedures from IT could all be indexed and made available for instant gratification to common, and perhaps not so common, problems. Most law firms already have this sort of knowledge in presentations, training manuals and quick reference guides. Moving key information to wikis and blogs might prove more effective for the Google-it crowd who want to find an answer within 30 seconds of typing the question. Develop Just-In-Time Learning Opportunities: The other day, Brian's 19-year-old son announced he wanted to learn to play the ukulele. His first thought wasn't to find a music teacher, but to look up YouTube videos on how to get started. Will this be effective? Time will tell. Brian had a similar experience recently when learning how to tie a bow tie. The best source he found was a YouTube video of a seven-year-old demonstrating the technique. While these are not computer examples, they underscore that all generations can benefit from just-in-time learning if it can be made quickly accessible and effective. Many firms have embraced this approach to augment training; the coming generation will expect this sort of resource to be one of their primary sources of training. Make Educators Into Consultants: Not everyone in a law firm will be part of the new generation, nor will all in the new generation gravitate toward the techniques outlined above. Educators should make better use of the time they once spent developing and delivering training classes to consult with individuals on a personal learning plan, delivering educational Legal Calendar and Docketing — Could it be that easy? Docket Enterprise provides a comprehensive calendar and docket solution that is ideally suited for both litigation and non-litigation practice areas. 64 Peer to Peer See just how easy it is. Contact