In search of the evidence: digital learning in legal education, a scoping review

Abstract

There is a lack of consolidated knowledge that identifies best practices when using digital learning tools, technologies and interventions in legal education. This paper seeks to illustrate the scope and nature of the current evidence that supports digital learning in legal education. The paper provides a scoping review of 10 years of empirical research in digital learning in legal education. Moreover, the paper discusses different forms of evidence in an effort to understand the kind of evidence legal scholars invoke when presenting what works in digital learning in legal education and why. In the paper, we present a picture of the empirical field of digital learning in legal education, including where these studies are being done, and the types of studies conducted. Moreover, we thematise the main findings across the studies: improved student learning, student satisfaction with digital tools, and drivers of engagement. We conclude by identifying some potential knowledge gaps.