Showcasing and evaluating the use of iTunes University as a Virtual Learning Environment

The Law Society of Ireland is the educational, representative and regulatory body of the solicitors' profession in Ireland. It has statutory functions in relation to the education of solicitors and is the sole provider of... [ view full abstract ]

The Law Society of Ireland is the educational, representative and regulatory body of the solicitors' profession in Ireland. It has statutory functions in relation to the education of solicitors and is the sole provider of solicitor training in Ireland. This paper showcases and evaluates the use of iTunes University (iTunes U) as the learning platform used on the Law Society’s trainee solicitor programme.

In 2013, the Law Society took advantage of advances in digital technology to implement an iPad 1:1 programme with the aim of providing its trainee solicitors with more engaging course content, accessible anytime, anyplace on a mobile device. iTunes U was the learning platform chosen to deliver the media rich content to the trainees while following the vision of practical legal education which equips trainees for 21st century legal practice. Three modules on the trainee solicitor professional course were redesigned as blended learning modules. The learning outcomes of these modules were retained, but the trainee solicitors achieved these using iPads and the learning platform iTunes U. Since 2013, iPads and iTunes U have been incorporated across all modules on the trainee solicitor professional courses.

Many educational institutions rely on Moodle or Blackboard as a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) however iTunes U is a worthy competitor to these resources for teaching and learning delivery. While all VLE's allow for content delivery, it is the multiple interactive formats that can be synergised in iTunes U which engages and entertains. The range of apps that can be incorporated to allow educators to capture students of all abilities and learning styles makes it a serious competitor to long established VLEs.

This paper will detail the Law Society's use of iTunes U as a VLE across a range of courses and the evaluation of its use by the educators delivering professional training to trainee solicitors. All the educators engage in continuous professional development to better understand the capability of the iPad and iTunes U and how it can be leveraged to enhance the trainee learning experience. In particular, the principles of the SAMR model for implementation of e-learning are adhered to.

While there are challenges, and such technology is a tool rather than an instructor, there are clear benefits in using iTunes U to support innovative teaching and learning. The Law Society is part of a small and growing community in Ireland delivering professional education using Apple technology.

Keywords: iTunes U, iPad, blended learning, interactive learning, VLE, SAMR model, trainee solicitors, Law Society of Ireland