Tech FAQ

1.  How do I get my assignments?

Nothing in my classes is delivered on paper.  All weekly assignments and supplemental reading are delivered through my website.  (Note, this is not the law school's ERES.  If you try to find my class there, it should redirect to here.)  This means that both administrative materials, such as announcements, as well as course book material, such as supplemental law review articles, must be accessed through the Web.

2.  I have heard that Professor Kang uses something called a v-board.  What is that?

I do not use chalk or markers in the classroom.  Instead, I use a virtual blackboard (vboard) on a computer projected screen.  Anything I would put on the blackboard, I instead put up on the vboard using various programs, including Mindmanager.  At the end of each class, I save that day’s contents in Acrobat PDF on a secure "v-board archives" page (password will be provided in class).  Therefore, you will have a copy of whatever has been put up on the virtual blackboard for later reference.   The computer projection will also allow us to surf the Internet, access rules and statutes immediately, and project graphics and diagrams.

Important proviso: My saving the contents of the virtual blackboard is an “extra” benefit that I provide for my students. It is not a birthright. Also, do not take what’s on the v-board as gospel. It’s just a snapshot of the virtual blackboard, which may include hypotheses, plausible but incorrect answers, student responses, etc. The v-board is intended to assist, not replace, your synthesis of the material. 

3. Besides office hours and class, is there any way that I can ask substantive questions to Professor Kang?

I do not take substantive class questions through e-mail. Teaching is done more effectively face-to-face. Please visit me in office hours instead.  If you have a class conflict, I'm happy to schedule another time.

4.  Why does Professor Kang use all these technologies?

I do it for two reasons.  First, as survey data from former students clearly demonstrate, they improve the learning process. Second, lawyers need technological literacy, which can only be gained through experience.  Learning these tools today will put you ahead of your competition tomorrow.  If you are curious, you can read a brief article I wrote about using information technologies in teaching.

5. Any general computer suggestions?

First, organize your hard drive in a sensible way. Put all your documents in a single folder, with multiple subfolders that break up your personal files from law school (then by year, course name, etc.). 

Second, pick a good outlining program to organize your notes and thoughts. Learn, for example, how to use Word’s outlining function. For tech tools I use, consult the Tools FAQ.

Third, backup your content regularly. Burn CDs. Get a free Mozy.com account. Email critical files to your own free Google gmail account. Do something.  Really.