Introducing the Internet to the Law School: Some Lessons from Adelaide

The world of education is shifting outside of the four walls of the traditional classroom and into the virtual world of the internet. Some view this shift with trepidation whilst others embrace it with an almost religious zeal. Neither of these extreme reactions is necessary. Web-based learning is neither the natural enemy of the traditional teacher nor the panacea to all that ails the traditional approach. It is simply an extra tool which, when used in combination with traditional methods, can result in a powerful teaching and learning experience. This paper explores the benefits and pitfalls of introducing the internet into the Law School curriculum. The experiences of the Adelaide University in the introduction and implementation of the internet provide a context for this exploration via a consideration of some of the lessons learnt.