Do What You Do Best - Realistic Technology Tips For Paralegals

You may have heard so much about e-discovery in the last few years that if you see another article, webinar or seminar you might burst. You may feel overwhelmed with technology and that it's moving faster than the speed of light. You may be frustrated with those you work with, because they expect you to be educated on the latest and greatest technology tools, but when it's time for their document review, you're told to make multiple copies or print all the documents out!

The reality is that paralegals are expected to find a unique balance for each case, each legal team and each client. Paralegals have always been required to be flexible, creative and able to juggle many different projects. However, those traits are becoming more challenging as the management of cases becomes more complex. Here are some tips to consider while managing the balancing act as we survive the evolving practice of law.

Understand your role and gather the resources you need to do your job

Paralegals work in different environments. Some have a litigation support professional available to assist them with the complexities of managing electronic data; others are expected to add those responsibilities onto their existing job description; and there are those who are somewhere in between. Wherever you are on the spectrum, you should make certain that you understand the expectations placed upon you and that those you work with understand your capabilities. Your job responsibilities are varied and learning new technologies is an added expectation. Have you been relieved of other tasks with the advances of technology? Likely not! It's okay to be an excellent paralegal and have a skill set whereby you add value and efficiencies to the management of the case, yet not necessarily be the technical processing guru. As a matter of fact, it may be that a paralegal who doesn't have the expertise to internally electronically process productions ends up spending more time doing so - and therefore costing the client more money than if they work with an specialist who does have the expertise. Paralegals need to have a solid understanding of the capabilities of technology, but don't need to be the expert who performs each task. If it's more efficient to delegate these tasks in the best interest of the client because it will lower cost and time involved, then it's your role to recognize that and surround yourself with the appropriate resources. Knowing the appropriate resources is important. Technology is becoming so complex, that specialists are evolving in all its different aspects. You may be someone who is an expert in all areas of technology, but if you're not, stop beating yourself up. Highly qualified paralegals can manage their cases and the electronic component of them equally effectively if they understand their role and surround themselves with the appropriate resources. A simple cost benefit analysis is a good tool to help determine the best approach to a task.

Reality Check - we are not a completely paperless society

Despite the daily blogs and articles about electronic discovery, there is still paper in our world and in the world of our clients. Discovery, in the majority of cases, will include both. Paralegals need to help the legal team with the best management solution. Logic tells us that having our entire discovery in one place, despite its original form, is the most effective. Early on, this was done backwards. Electronic data was received and printed out. It did not take long to realize that it's more efficient to scan to image the paper and keep the electronic data in native form, then load all of it into a litigation support database. Managing litigation documents in litigation support databases is becoming a requirement with most cases today. Paralegals need to understand the processes and have the ability to work with the legal team to ensure that these databases are established for the efficient review and management of discovery. The initial set up of a database and proper collection of documents is the most important component in a productive litigation support database. Data collections that do not capture important information at the outset will be less useful and can leave a negative feeling with those forced to work with it. Likewise, knowing when it's appropriate to print out of the database is equally important. For example, printing deposition exhibits is appropriate. Printing boxes and boxes of documents to put in chronological order for attorney review - probably not. This leads to the next tip.

Be an advocate

You don't have to be the expert on how everything is electronically processed, but having a solid understanding of the capabilities of technology and the ability to communicate with the legal team and clients will add value and efficiencies to your role. It's frustrating to be given an assignment that is so logistically complicated that it throws your entire workflow in chaos. I don't believe that anyone has that intention when requesting deliverables that are either not possible or unduly overwhelming and burdensome. To the extent that paralegals can be involved in the early stages of the case, they can offer suggestions on the most effective methods involving technology and ensure a smooth and effective process for the client. That will sometimes involve educating the people around you and offering alternative solutions. I've heard paralegals say that they were asked to do something by an attorney, but knew it was not an effective way to proceed. They thought, "It's the attorney who asked and I'm a paralegal," so they did what they were told. It's my belief that the better approach to that circumstance would be to offer an alternative solution, explaining how it will be more efficient and save the client money. This approach would be welcomed by the majority of attorneys. Offering alternatives to improve your legal team's handling of a project is not argumentative or disrespectful; it adds value to the team.

Use technology as a tool to manage your matters - not to replace your knowledge

It's cool to be able to search through volumes of documents and transcripts and to be able to sort all the discovery documents with a click. Back in the "day," we spent weeks doing these tasks that require just a few key strokes today. It's not so cool to have all these capabilities at your disposal and not take advantage of them so as to free yourself and others on the legal team to perform more substantive tasks. With each passing year, there are more advances with the latest and greatest tools being introduced into our world. They are designed to help legal professionals do their jobs better, not to replace legal professionals. Know what you have at your disposal; learn its capabilities and how to use it to assist you with your tasks to improve the efficiencies on behalf of your client. Use the tool of technology along with your knowledge and expertise. We are still managing volumes of data and the volumes of data are increasing, but we have tools to help us do that. One of the greatest pitfalls I see with legal professionals is that they fail to see technology as a tool; rather, they see it as another thing to "do" in the case. They end up performing their job they way they did before the tools of technology were available, as well as trying to use the technology. They end up doing everything twice and eventually cannot keep up with the double workflow. Technology is not designed to replace your knowledge. It's designed to give you an advantage and a more efficient method to perform your responsibilities - providing added value to you as a member of the legal team.

Today, clients are looking for attorneys who have solid legal support teams to represent them. They need to see value added and cost savings. Knowing your strengths, surrounding yourself with efficient resources, maintaining a solid understanding and having the ability to communicate the tools you have to offer clients will be a benefit that your clients will recognize. Do what you do best.

Gayle Absi is the President of ABSI Legal Technology, Ltd., a Cleveland based consultant that advises attorneys on using technology in the practice of law. She is a CT Summation Certified Trainer and has extensive experience in producing electronic records in litigation and designing and managing databases. Gayle has overseen complex software implementation including case management and multi-location software projects. She has managed large volume document review teams using both CT Summation and web based tools. Gayle is the founder of the Northern Ohio Chapter of The Association of Litigation Support Professionals and as its immediate past President, is serving as board advisor. ABSI Legal Technology, Ltd. is certified as a small and female owned business. Visit us on the

Future of Technology in Retail

The usage of technology has always benefited the retail industry. It has made the industry more organized, accountable and efficient. There is a lot of scope for the implementation of technology. However we notice that many retailers do not know the power of technology which would have immense impact on the growth of sales if implemented. There is a vast growth in technology but retailers still lag behind in implementation.

Technology has grown in leaps and bounds over the last decade and will continue to grow in a geometric progression. Moore's law states that "The number of transistors on an integrated circuit will double over every 18 months". Moore is the co-founder of technology giant Intel. This law changes ones perspective on what impact technology and its applications can have over every industry.

In the retail industry profits are not made through a single transaction but by establishing a rapport and a long term understanding with customers. Getting the customers to be loyal to a store is not an easily accomplished task. It's all about building reputation and studying a customer's patterns over a period of time. Profiling of customers help a long way in establishing a rapport and technology can be used in accomplishing this.

RFID or Radio Frequency Identification is a technology that was invented about 60 years ago but has found its application in the Retail industry only recently. Radio frequencies are unique, so its applications lie vastly in identifying objects uniquely. The number of suppliers using RFID has increased by leaps and bounds plainly because they will cease to be suppliers if they do not do so. RFID can be incorporated into existing supply chain management which can reduce the labor required to monitor the goods movement and inventory flow. Used along with a bar code system RFIDs can allow manufacturers and retailers to complement existing systems while gathering more information throughout a supply chain. RFID's can also act as a security guard at gateways. It can also conduct automatic inventories and reduce stock outs and overages. Accounting discrepancies can also be removed.

Database management systems give retailers efficient tools for profiling customers and managing every point of sale transaction. Well managed and carefully arranged files make it easy to access data from a database. Even a non-programmer can access a database using certain built-in tools.

Large scale markets and malls in India demonstrate a good usage of technology in parking spaces; billing counters and security. The data captured can be used in many ways to give insights on sales and increase profitability. The usage of technology does not end here. It can be used as a powerful marketing tool. Having a website or an online shop can increase sales and also advertise products. It is another avenue to generate revenue and attract more people to stores.

Technology has vast and major implications in virtual shopping, where a customer can shop anything he wants within a few clicks of a button. The best part of having an online shop is that it is accessible all the time. Most stores have a integrated online shopping option which enables customers sitting from their of offices.

Before introducing any new technology to a retail store, a retailer need always ask himself whether it is going to benefit the customer in some way or increases his profitability.

Retail is an industry that is always playing catch up with technology. There is so much scope for retailers to implement technology in their business. The challenge they are facing right now is about how they can go about integrating technology into their business and making it work together as a team to derive the best possible results.

Science Lesson Plans Should Include Media Resources

Science education is a floundering element of the United States educational system. Educators and science advocates are calling for change in the way this subject is taught to teachers and to students. Science lesson plans are lacking due to the scarce amount of resources available. When media options are made available, these plans can be given new life.

Those educators focused on science have argued that math and reading tests mandated by the federal government are taking valuable class time away from the necessary instruction science students so desperately need. There is hope that the new science testing under the NCLB will renew a healthy focus on this topic in the classroom.

The nation is facing a growing issue in terms of science performance as 82 percent of the nation's senior class performed below the proficient level on the 2000 National Assessment of Educational Progress. These disappointing results indicate this problem is bigger than once thought. There is hope, however, as teachers become more proficient in their creation of science lesson plans and media sources are readily available to enhance the curriculum.

It Starts in the Classroom

UC Berkeley's Lawrence Hall of Science and West Ed conducted a study in the spring of 2007 which found that 80 percent of teachers in San Francisco elementary schools spend 60 minutes or less on science education each week. One has to wonder how these teachers can expect their students to excel in a subject that is given so little time.

This situation is going on along with the loss in the arts. The Center in Education Policy found in 2007 that some school districts have increased the amount of time they spend on math and reading education by more than two hours per week. This increase is in lieu of time for science, social studies, music and art. Science lesson plans are being cut to make room for other subjects.

Is Change Coming?

More and more educators and policy makers are recognizing the loss in science education and are trying to make a change. The National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) announced a $43 million, five-year program to create a national Center for Science Education (CSE).

This initiative is expected to promote science literacy and produce the next generation of standards in science education. The CSE will also create a state-of-the-art facility to allow science educators throughout the country to participate in leadership and content-based learning opportunities.

Programs are popping up all over the country that are designed to improve the science education available to students today. With such programs in place, teachers can hope to create science lesson plans that deliver value, even if time in the classroom is limited.

Teachers can also improve upon these science lesson plans with the use of educational videos designed to introduce students to new concepts and methods for conducting scientific experiments and research. Not every student will find the subject of science engaging, but these videos can go a long way to grab their interest by taking the subject to a whole new level.

The small company I work for is committed to creating quality educational videos for classroom instruction. From the earliest script stages, all subject area content, images, and music are intensely reviewed and selected for meeting appropriate grade level, curriculum objectives and standards for our proprietary productions. The videos we distribute are also screened to meet our high standards.

Teachers in the 21st century classroom will be better educators if they understand how to use multi media in their lessons, if they understand the processes that research has shown to be the most effective for improved student performance, and if they know how to find quality video resources that will enhance their lessons.

9th Grade Science Fair Projects Made Fun and Easy

Unfairly or not, 9th grade science fair projects compete against those made by high school students, which can be intimidating for even the most accomplished 9th grade science whiz. Fortunately, the playing field can be leveled with the right science project that can compete head-on with others. But first, it is necessary to choose the type of science fair project you will take on. This makes the process of choosing the final science project so much easier since you have narrowed your choices down to a manageable level.

Experimentation

This is the most common type used in 9th grade science fair projects, which seek to answer a relatively straightforward question through the scientific method. Thus, you will observe and collect data, measure and organize it, construct a hypothesis and prediction, experiment with the variables, analyze the resulting data, make a model and finally, communicate the results. Of course, your venue for communication is the science fair. Fun examples of this type are the comparison of wood pellets for barbecues, determination of the best type of pesticide against crickets, and the evaluation of various types of water purification.

Demonstration

You will either confirm or invalidate the results of a previous experiment conducted by another scientist. In many instances, you do not have to replicate the processes previously employed as you can indeed improve upon them. Usually, demonstration type 9th grade science fair experiments can be culled from Internet resources, which have a rich abundance of full published studies made by other 9th graders. Examples include the improvement of jatropha oil properties and the explanation of the oscillating clock chemical reaction.

Research

As the name suggests, you collect relevant information about the chosen topic and then presenting your findings. Keep in mind that a good presentation for 9th grade science fair projects can make or break your science fair project so make it as best as you possibly can. To make it fun, you can use innovative presentation methods like a mini-play or a mini-demonstration. Or you can use more colorful materials to attract the attention of the observers and judges.

Model

If you want to stand out from among many 9th grade science fair projects, the best choice would be to go for the model type of project. You have to build a scale model to describe in visual and audio terms your chosen concept or principle. Examples include making a scale model of the tectonic plates to simulate earthquakes, constructing a baking soda volcano that spews vinegar, and building a solar toy car to explain its large-scale counterparts. Or to make it even more fun, you can invent something new! Don't worry if it appears silly to others because the silliest of inventions often start a revolution. Think of the way Henry Ford revolutionized car manufacture.

Collection

If you are an avid collector of things, you can show them off but with an award-winning twist. For example, instead of showing just your bug specimen collection, explain how each one differs according to the season of the year it was collected, how its environment may have affected its growth and many other things.

Once you have selected from among these types, your 9th grade science fair projects will become more inspired, more focused and more award-winning. And isn't that where the fun really is?

For more 9th grade science fair projects and step-by-step instructions, visit http://www.easy-kids-science-experiments.com.. Be sure to check out the site for tons of simple science projects elementary science experiments, middle school, and high school science.

Copyright 2009. Feel free to reprint this article on your site as long as the article is not modified in any way and the resource information (about the author) is listed as above.

Health Education Certificate Study Options

Studying for a career in health education can be done by enrolling in an accredited school or college. Students can receive the training they need to pursue a career in the health care field. Gaining an education in this field will allow for numerous career opportunities. Students can receive a number of accredited degrees by completing the educational requirements.

Professionals in this field are trained to provide an education to various individuals and groups. These professionals teach about nutrition, fitness and exercise, drugs, human health, immunizations, STD's, and many other subjects. These types of educators are trained to provide knowledge to the community for a variety of reasons. Those who choose to can gain an accredited education in the field by enrolling in a number of schools and colleges.

Bachelors Degree

Obtaining an accredited bachelors level degree in health education can be done through a variety of medical education training programs. Completion of a program at this level typically requires four years of study. Students can gain the knowledge and skills to pursue the career they desire. Bachelor level degrees allow students to learn how to work individuals and groups to teach a variety of subjects. Obtaining knowledge in certain areas will help students with their career. Coursework may cover subjects such as:

• Human Health
• Sex and Drug Education
• Fitness
• Nutrition
• Leadership
• Health Communication

...and many other related areas of study. By gaining an education in these specific areas students will be prepared to enter into the workforce ready to succeed. By receiving an accredited bachelors degree students can begin employment or pursue a master's level education.

Masters Degree

Masters degree studies will train students for their desired career as a health education specialist. Students can earn an accredited degree by completing an additional four years of study. Gaining a masters level education in health education will prepare students to work with a variety of people teaching them about a number of health related subjects. Coursework can have students studying subjects like:

• Education
• School Health
• Foreign Language
• Psychology
• Human Development
• Science

...and more. With an education in these areas student will have the knowledge needed to find employment in their desired area of the field. By gaining an accredited masters degree in the field students can enter the workforce prepared for the career of a lifetime.

Whether an education is received at the bachelor or master degree level career possibilities can include working in a variety of places. Students can find work in health care clinics, schools, hospitals, nonprofit organizations, and more. Possible career options can also include work in rehabilitation therapy, education, health care, government, and much more. Studies will allow a world of opportunities to open in the workforce allowing students to enter the workforce in their desired area.

Gaining accredited health education training will allow students to receive the quality education and training they deserve. Accreditation is provided by agencies like the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools ( http://www.abhes.org/ ) and more. Training in the health care field will provide students with the opportunity to pursue a number of exciting career positions. Students can learn more by requesting information from their programs of interest.

DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERIC OUTLINE and may or may not depict precise methods, courses and/or focuses related to ANY ONE specific school(s) that may or may not be advertised at PETAP.org.

Copyright 2010 - All rights reserved by PETAP.org.

Public Education Can Save Our Country

Public education is broken. I wanted to grab your attention with something much more impactful. But the way I see it, what has more impact than the absolute and simple truth? Our public education system is broken and it has been for a long time.

Some of us believe it is the responsibility of our elected officials. Others think our communities can fix it. Parental involvement is the answer for many. "If only we had more funding" is another cry. They are all right.

Of course, the debate continues about No Child Left Behind (NCLB). Remember, this is the measure which was passed in January 2002 during the Bush Administration. It requires states test all students in certain subjects every year to be sure they are prepared for college. I don't believe the problem is entirely about NCLB; it's about public education in general. However, this initiative has had such an impact, mentioning one practically begs a mention of the other.

NCLB was supposed to fill in the gaps of public education. It was likely intended to do just as it says...leave no child behind. The goal is admirable, but the execution has a detrimental effect on how children are taught. We tried to solve the problem with one sweeping measure. There is no one answer and no one entity with the complete solution.

The reason I see the problem of public education in the United States as a national issue, and not an individual, family, group, regional, or even state issue, is very simple. Let me use myself as an example. I am not an educator or a student. I do not have a child in the public school system, or any school system. But I am a citizen of this country and have a vested interest in its present well-being and hope for its future. So, it is my problem. It is our problem.

We all know the future of this country and our place in the world depends on our children. How they fare and compete on the world's stage depends on their access to quality education. That is why I am so afraid.

We are not preparing our children to compete. We are not teaching them to think. We are not teaching them to react. We are not teaching them to create. We are not teaching them at all. We are preparing them for tests. We are filling them with facts, having them regurgitate them at the appropriate time, in the appropriate format to attain the appropriate score.

Creativity, individuality, and inventiveness are practically discouraged. If a child shows too much individuality in the way she learns, acts, or interacts, she is considered inappropriate. She is relegated to a special class, isolated, or even worse, medicated.

We live in an age of entrepreneurs and innovators. The time has passed when we stay on a job at a factory for 25-30 years or even in a corporate cubicle for that long. We are not training our children to be innovative in the workplace, or to build businesses like the type built by the entrepreneurs and solopreneurs that are the backbone of my own industry, virtual business assistance.

The Public Education Network's (PEN) National Survey of Public Opinion lists 10 key findings in its Survey of Public Opinion about our responsibility for our educational system. Top among thoae were:

1. Education continues to be a top national priority, even in the midst of war and concern about the economy, joblessness, and healthcare.

2. Americans want funding for public education protected from budget cuts, and they want to see more public investment in education.

3. The jury is still out on No Child Left Behind. [1]

What does this tell us about what we need to do to fix our broken system?

We have to stop making education a mere campaign promise and make it a policy priority for our elected officials. Any official who does not fulfill his promises to improve public education, especially our national officials, should not be re-elected.

Realize quality education comes at a cost. We must be willing to pay our teachers a competitive wage so that we can attract the best and brightest...or provide tax and other benefits to supplement their salaries. Be open to studying tenure and pay for performance as options for teachers. Even if these are not the best or only options for improvement, let's at least consider them and be open to new, inventive options.

Consider a moratorium on NCLB, nationally, or on the state or local levels. This measure affects too many of our children to continue with so many unsure of the long-term consequences. If a moratorium is not practical, at least reconsider the amount of funding for the program so that schools are able to place more focus on traditional or creative teaching methods as well.

The results of the 2008 National Poll and the Civic Index for Quality Public Education conducted by the PEN shows that over 63 per cent of us do not think public officials are held accountable for the status of public education. Four in 10, nationally, and over one third of local respondents think our schools are declining. [2]

We have an election coming up on November 2, 2010. Let's not forget education when we go to the polls. We can save the future of our country.

[1] 2004 NATIONAL SURVEY OF PUBLIC OPINION Learn. Vote. Act. The Public's Responsibility for Public Education

[2] Public Education Network, Community Accountability for Quality Schools, Results of the 2008 National Poll and the Civic Indexor Quality Public Education

Science, Technology and War

Human beings, who once were cavemen, used tools or weapons made up of stones or bronze or iron to hunt, dig and cut something in the past. The same human being has become the master of modern civilization and is even able to challenge the nature. It has only been possible due to the development of science and technology.

Science is such a subject that explains the things happening in the world. First science gives us an idea, and then different experiments are carried out. If the experiments happen to be true, it gives birth to new technology. Therefore, technology is the way of putting scientific inventions or theories or discoveries into practical use in trade and industries.

Science in general, is the study of living and non-living things. It has no such field which is out of reach. Modern inventions like computer, TV, phone, jet, vehicle etc. have uplifted the standard human life and have made it much advanced. It has changed man into god providing a wonderful comfortable life.

Although man has progressed in every field- farming, education, transport or technology, he is always in panic. Unfortunately he has become the servant of science. He has to be afraid of his own inventions. We don't know when the bombs or missiles may fall onto us; when the history of the Second World War repeats and when a single child becomes a victim of drugs.

In conclusion war robs everybody but peace enriches them. Therefore science should always stand for peace and happiness of the people. It should be used to fulfill the basic needs of the people living below the poverty line. The scientific discoveries and inventions should be carried on but only for the welfare of the every living being.