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	Murdoch University Electronic Journal of Law

Title : Review of "An Introduction to the Law of Contract:
: Computorials"
Author : Angela Hartley
Organisation : Murdoch University School of Law
Keywords : Computer assisted legal education, computorials
Abstract : Law student review of computerised tutorials in
: Australian contract law
Contact Name : The Editors, E Law
Contact Address: Murdoch University School of Law, PO Box 1014,
: Canning Vale, Western Australia, 6155
Contact Phone : + 61 09 360 2976
Contact Email : elaw-editors@central.murdoch.edu.au
Last Verified :
Last Updated :
Creation Date : July 21, 1995
Filename : hartley.txt
File Size : 4718 bytes
File Type : Document
File Format : ASCII
Publication Status: Final
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ISSN: 1321-8247
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Review of "An Introduction to the Law of Contract: Computorials",
Sydney: Law Book Company, Software by Microsoft Pty Ltd 1988

Angela Hartley

"An Introduction to the Law of Contract" is a Law Book Company Computorial
aimed at enhancing students' understanding of contract law. The
Computorials allow students to revise facts and concepts, practice skills,
problem solve, and apply and test knowle dge.

The software was easily installed, and instructions on how to access the
computorials were clear and straight forward. Following the introductory
module, a "Band Profile" of rock group "The Contractors" was presented.
The use of these contemporary chara cters and examples throughout the
computorials provided an interesting alternative to the usual contract law
hypothetical.

The three substantive modules were divided into Formation, Execution and a
Revision section. The Formation tutorials covered the intention to be
bound, offer and acceptance, consideration and the capacity to contract.
The Execution tutorials then went o n to deal with the terms and operation
of the contract, the consent of parties, illegal and void contracts,
discharge and remedies for breach of contract.

The format for answering questions included multiple choice, matching the
correct pairs, true/false and short answer. Correct and incorrect answers
were clearly explained, including relevant case law and state legislation,
and there was considerable flex ibility in selecting which areas to focus
on.

The use of creative graphics helped maintain interest, as did the
integration of "The Contractors" throughout the tutorials. However, the
incorporation of this group of young students will probably appeal more to
undergraduate than graduate law students.

Whilst the computorials are useful in assisting students of contract law
generally, those who are using Graw's text (which is cross-referenced
throughout), will gain maximum benefit from the program.

The value of computorials is in providing a reservoir of targeted
questions in specific areas. Students can focus on particular areas of
difficulty and practice applying and improving knowledge at their own
pace. This is particularly advantageous given the ever-increasing size of
tutorial groups. It is in this respect that self-paced computorials have
an important role in filling a current gap. Overall, "An Introduction to
the Law of Contract" is a contemporary, user-friendly and helpful
supplement t o traditional learning in lectures and tutorials.