The Docketing 101 session begins with a presentation, complete with audio, by the firm's risk management partner or docketing manager as to the culture of the firm and what is expected from the docketing department. Next comes the application training itself where the how-to information is interspersed with the why; that is what makes this tool so invaluable. The student is learning not only how to create the appropriate docket entries using the application but is also instructed on the nuances in wording, adjustments, reminders, etc. that are mandated by the firm. All of this is done in a robust environment allowing for multiple media to be presented together or faded in and out. The student can see and hear a presentation on how trial calendars are put together as well as follow along with the specifics of how to use the application. In this scenario, the student is running a live session of the application, which gives him/her the opportunity to practice what is being shown, pausing, rewinding or fast forwarding the e-training module as needed. Documents, self-paced learning quizzes, etc. are also available for download or online review.

E-training, with customized content, can provide a rich combination of training tools and is available 24/7; in today's world of Web access, literally anytime and anyplace. In addition to the anytime, anyplace beauty of recorded sessions is the purely economic advantage of repeated use. A library of recorded sessions will also often be geared toward what is commonly referred to as "just in time" training; if the firm is installing a new financial system, students don't need to learn about month-end financials on day one. It will be much more meaningful if they receive financial report training at such time as they are ready to actually tackle that function. Likewise, when a new attorney joins the firm, being able to direct him/her to a training library for sessions on entering time or how to access the firm's case management or centralized docketing system is a tremendous advantage. They have immediate access to the training they need without the time delay and hassle of trying to fit a classroom schedule into their work schedule.

E-training is not the end-all, be-all; but it is a tool that is ready for prime time and can offer a variety of extremely effective training at a tremendous savings to the firm in terms of hard dollar training costs and soft dollar training time. Ask your application vendor about adding and recording sessions containing your firm content. The cost is affordable, the learning tools are rich, and the end result of a continuum of well-trained users is at hand!

About our author...

Linda Moore is a Director for ProLaw Software's Consulting Services Division. She can be reached at (888) 777- 6529 or by e-mail at lsm@prolaw.com.