E&R librarians begin teaching with iPads

As part of a university pilot program on teaching with tablet computers, the E&R librarians have begun using iPad 2s in their upper-level legal research courses. Since the introduction of the original iPad, attorneys have quickly discovered the many benefits of using tablets for conducting legal research on-the-go, reviewing documents when away from the office, and keeping up with email. As tablet use becomes more commonplace in the practice of law, E&R librarians believe it is important that students are exposed to using tablets for legal research.

In class, iPads have been wirelessly mirrored over the in-room projectors through the use of an Apple TV, allowing students to follow along on the projector's screen as presentations are displayed and legal research is conducted in iPad apps. Some E&R librarians expect to show students the benefits and drawbacks of using some iPad apps for legal research, such as WestlawNext, Lexis Advance, and CCH, along with Bloomberg Law and BNA in the mobile browser. The E&R librarians are also using their iPads for reviewing and commenting on assignments and final exams through the use of apps such as GoodReader, FileBrowser, Dropbox, and Pages.