Computer and Information Technology

Technology has made a dramatic impact on the law school curriculum and the practice of law. We are committed to ensuring that our students have optimal access to electronic resources. To that end, Temple has implemented an "anytime, anywhere" computer access model, that includes a combination of wired and wireless network access, wired study carrels, computer clusters and state-of-the-art computer labs. Temple has been consistently ranked among the most "connected" schools in the country. "Smart" classrooms equipped with cutting-edge technology, including video, audio, and wi-fi Internet access allow faculty to use technology in all of the classrooms. The faculty and the administration regularly communicate with students via email, and the law school uses a sophisticated course management system that allows the faculty to post assignments, syllabi, announcements, and links to a variety of additional resources for each class.

Computer labs and clusters of computers are located throughout the Law School building, including the library. In addition, Temple has a lab dedicated to the use of Lexis and Westlaw, the two main legal databases. Touch screen computer kiosks in the main lobby allow students to quickly and conveniently access everything from class schedules, grades and financial aid information to news headlines and student classified ads. Using wireless technology, students can also surf the web, do legal research and check their e-mail on their laptop computers from many locations in all the buildings. Students can also print to the network printers from the wireless network.

The law school provides students access to Career Planning Manager (Symplicity), an online career planning service, and CALI (Computer Assisted Legal Instruction). A web-based online Library catalog and a wide range of electronic resources are available including Bloomberg, BNA, HeinOnline, etc via the Library.

LAW-PC Loaner Program

A model for other schools around the country, Temple has developed an affordable PC loaner program. Born from a need to bridge the "digital divide", and make technology available to more students, the program allows students to rent fully loaded computers for a low fee. These computers can be used at school or at home.

Communication

E-mail is the medium of choice for communication at the Law school. All administrative announcements are sent via e-mail. All courses have a Website and faculty and students regularly communicate via e-mail. The Web sites have options for on-line discussion and virtual chat to encourage lively virtual discussions and offer a unique way for students to continue discussions outside the classroom. Law school events information, assignments, syllabi, class cancellation information, etc are now available over the web.

Classrooms

Improving the infrastructure and the physical facilities is important to providing better technology resources. "Smart classrooms" equipped with a powerful arsenal of cutting edge technology, including video, audio, and Internet access allow faculty to use technology in the classroom. Faculty and student organizations may request classroom audio/visual setups by emailing tlawav@temple.edu

Our continuing developments and improvements will sharpen the skills of Temple students to meet the challenges of the information age.

For more information on our Computer and Information Technology and Media Services, email: law@temple.edu