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 | |
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.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 12 | 2:00 | 24:00 | Integrated online material to be taken on a non-synchronous basis |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 65:00 | 65:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 1 | 2:00 | 2:00 | Synchronous revision session |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 1 | 2:00 | 2:00 | Synchronous introductory session |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 2 | 2:00 | 4:00 | Synchronous small group seminars |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Drop-in/surgery | 4 | 1:00 | 4:00 | There will be weekly drop-in sessions each one covering all classes taken by the students. |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 99:00 | 99:00 | N/A |
| Total | 200:00 |
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.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prob solv exercises | 2 | M | 5 | Discussion forum |
| Written exercise | 2 | M | 65 | 2000 word report |
| Case study | 2 | M | 30 | Presentation |
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 assessment | 2 | M | Formative 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.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- LAW8578's Timetable