Module Catalogue 2024/25

LAW8578 : Technology and ODR

LAW8578 : Technology and ODR

  • Offered for Year: 2024/25
  • Module Leader(s): Dr Myriam Gicquello
  • Owning School: Newcastle Law School
  • Teaching Location: Off Campus
Semesters

Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.

Semester 2 Credit Value: 20
ECTS Credits: 10.0
European Credit Transfer System
Pre-requisite

Modules you must have done previously to study this module

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co-Requisite

Modules you need to take at the same time

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

The aims of this class shall be to explore the increasing use of technology in the field of dispute resolution including an examination of online and hybrid models of mediation, the benefits and drawbacks of such approaches as well as a broader coverage of issues engendered by online dispute resolution including confidentiality, security and providing meaningful access to those in society who need it. The class shall also trace the historical development of online dispute resolution, examining the evolution of different technology-based dispute resolution platforms and services. The use of technology for dispute prevention, including dispute systems design will also be covered, as will future trends impacting on the delivery of dispute resolution services such as artificial intelligence, machine blockchain, and legal technology platforms.

Outline Of Syllabus

History and development of online dispute resolution. Platform case study.

Online mediation, its development, growth through COVID 19, repercussions for mediation models, mediation use and parties. Online mediation skills and processes.

Key policy themes in online dispute resolution – confidentiality, privacy and security, accessibility

Online dispute resolution and civil court processes – developments in England and Wales and other jurisdictions 

New technologies in dispute prevention and civil justice delivery.

Learning Outcomes

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

By the end of this module, students will be able to demonstrate:

A critical understanding of the underpinning causes and historical development in online dispute resolution as well as different dispute system design approaches

A critical understanding of the different forms and platforms of online dispute resolution

A critical understanding of online mediation, experiences learned through use in the COVID 19 pandemic and its impact upon practice models

A critical understanding of key policy themes engendered online dispute resolution including confidentiality and privacy, security and accessibility

A critical understanding of the increasing use of technology in the workings of civil courts

A critical understanding of the current uses and policy concerns raised by the use of AI and other technologies to complement or replace judging and lawyering activity in commercial disputes

Intended Skill Outcomes

By the end of this module, students should be able to demonstrate


Demonstrate an ability to act independently in planning and undertaking research and reflect meaningfully on their own learning, including seeking and making use of feedback.

Demonstrate an advanced level of skill in constructive criticism and analysis by presenting a sustained argument in a well-structured piece of work.

Demonstrate the ability to present research findings in a coherent and well-communicated way

Produce electronically submitted coursework in appropriate form and style

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Structured Guided LearningLecture materials122:0024:00Integrated online material to be taken on a non-synchronous basis
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion165:0065:00N/A
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture12:002:00Synchronous revision session
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture12:002:00Synchronous introductory session
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesSmall group teaching22:004:00Synchronous small group seminars
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesDrop-in/surgery41:004:00There will be weekly drop-in sessions each one covering all classes taken by the students.
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study199:0099:00N/A
Total200:00
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The methods set out here are based on a combination of approaches. The bulk of the student directed hours are found in the non-synchronous interactive online materials based on faculty and simulation video, in which there shall be interactive learning activities, in-built formative feedback, short directed readings and reflective learning. These materials shall be bolstered by synchronous online seminars where specific topics shall be addressed in more detail after student reading designed to instil a deeper understanding in key areas. These seminars shall also help instil a sense of community and interaction between the students. Students shall also be encouraged to engage in online discussion board activity.

Reading Lists

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Prob solv exercises2M5Discussion forum
Written exercise2M652000 word report
Case study2M30Presentation
Formative Assessments

Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.

Description Semester When Set Comment
Computer assessment2MFormative assessment built into interactive materials
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

This class is assessed by a range of different methods. Students shall be awarded 5% on the basis of meeting a designated standard in discussion board engagement. This is to encourage engagement with studies and interaction between the students on an ongoing basis. The main assessment aspect for this module shall be a capstone project in which students shall be asked to explore a current problem relevant to the area, conduct research that project, write up a short focussed report and undertake an assessed, online presentation.

Timetable

Past Exam Papers

General Notes

N/A

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Disclaimer

The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2024 academic year.

In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.

Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2025/26 entry will be published here in early-April 2025. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.