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 COPYRIGHT POLICY: Material appearing in E Law is accepted on the basis that the material is the original, uncopied work of the author or authors. Authors agree to indemnify E Law for all damages, fines and costs associated with a finding of copyright infringement by the author or by E Law in disseminating the author's material. In almost all cases material appearing in E Law will attract copyright protection under the Australian *Copyright Act 1968* and the laws of countries which are member states of the *Berne Convention*, *Universal Copyright Convention* or have bilateral copyright agreements with Australia. Ownership of such copyright will vest by operation of law in the authors and/or E Law. E Law and its authors grant a license to those accessing E Law to call up copyright materials onto their screens and to print out a single copy for their own personal non-commercial use subject to proper attribution of E Law and/or the authors. ISSN: 1321-8247 EMAIL RETRIEVAL: send message "get elaw-j hartley.txt" to Majordomo@cleo.murdoch.edu.au URL: gopher://infolib.murdoch.edu.au:70/00/.ftp/pub/subj/law/jnl/elaw/ current/hartley.txt ftp://infolib.murdoch.edu.au/pub/subj/law/jnl/elaw/current/hartley.txt http://portia.murdoch.edu.au/libweb/Elib/Jnls/Murdoch/Elaw/elaw.html ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 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.