The role and impact of relying on digital technologies in contemporary legal education: an empirical study

Abstract

This paper critically evaluates the role and impact of relying upon digital technologies to deliver legal education within Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). HEIs now use and rely on digital technologies as a key component of their delivery of teaching and learning. However, despite this, many students do not have digital access. Therefore, there is the risk that some students become digitally excluded and thus unable to (fully) participate and engage with their learning. While HEIs had to rely exclusively on this delivery method during the global COVID-19 pandemic, many have now moved to a hybrid or blended approach to teaching and learning, retaining many of the digital provisions used during the pandemic. The paper seeks to investigate the risk of digital exclusion: its causes, nature, and effects. To do this, we engage in qualitative and quantitative research to examine whether providing students with a tablet computer affects students’ perception of the learning environment, student satisfaction, student performance and attainment, and removes barriers to learning owing to digital exclusion. We critically examine our findings. Notably, we offer tangible and practical recommendations to providers and teachers of legal education to ensure that all students have digital access to promote a more inclusive and supportive learning environment for students.