‘Learning design’ at heart of LawCPD’s offering
With the CPD deadline fast approaching, Lawyers Weekly spoke with LawCPD about its “unique” courses and how lawyers can best incorporate such learning into their schedules.
To continue reading the rest of this article, please log in.
Create a free account to get unlimited news articles and more!
In conversation with Lawyers Weekly — and in anticipation of the CPD deadline at month’s end — LawCPD director Sarah Mateljan explained that a “unique element” of LawCPD’s courses is that the provider engages both legal experts and learning design experts in the development of those courses.
“The legal experts create the content for each course while our instructional design experts use their knowledge of adult learning principles and technology to tailor these courses to lawyers’ specific educational needs — and to the online format,” she explained.
“For each new online CPD course, we also include activities designed to support the key learning objectives such as rich media, quizzes, interactive exercises and immersive learning scenarios.”
All of these are designed, she said, to make each course easily applicable in daily practice.
“We specialise in creating content for lawyers that is engaging, educational and practical,” Ms Mateljan noted.
“We do this because we want lawyers to feel like they’ve learned something valuable from each course that goes beyond simply earning their points. We also make each of our courses accessible to lawyers after they have completed them, so they can go back and revisit the content to support their practice and career development.”
The incorporation of such interaction is critical for legal education, particularly in the current climate, Ms Mateljan argued.
“Interactive courses, such as the ones provided by LawCPD, can be incredibly beneficial for lawyers seeking to meet their annual CPD requirements in many different ways,” she said.
“Unlike traditional lecture-style courses, our interactive courses are enriched with different media and activities, which allows lawyers to absorb information in a more meaningful and memorable manner.”
LawCPD’s goal, she advised, is to not only keep lawyers up to date with the latest developments in the profession but also equip them with practical tools and knowledge they can directly apply in their practice.
Such an approach is needed in today’s market, Ms Mateljan explained — and LawCPD is leading the way in providing this for legal professionals of all stripes.
“Since our inception back in 2008, the founders of LawCPD recognised the potential of online-based learning to not only improve educational opportunities for the profession but also optimise learning outcomes,” she commented.
“Lawyers are now growing increasingly accustomed to engaging in learning activities on a device — whether it be joining a webinar, listening to audio material or joining a Q&A.”
But often, Ms Mateljan observed, these experiences are “not as enjoyable or beneficial” as they could be because they only rely on one mode of learning.
“LawCPD’s learning design approach to CPD is a response to this demand,” she said.
“Our course development team creates courses that are not only informative but also enrich the learning experience by providing multiple ways to engage with the content within each course.”
Looking ahead to the CPD deadline, Ms Mateljan reminded lawyers that they could claim unlimited CPD points by completing LawCPD’s online CPD courses, “as they are 100 per cent interactive”.
“Our 100+ online CPD courses are accessible instantly, 24/7, so lawyers can fit their CPD requirements around their busy schedules,” she advised.
“We also have a dedicated customer support team ready to assist with any questions or technical issues that may arise. This ensures that lawyers receive prompt and effective support whenever needed, giving them peace of mind as they complete their CPD requirements in the lead-up to the deadline.
“We also offer extended support hours during the final week of March, and on the 31st of March.”