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 map on a secure “v-board archives” page.  Therefore, you will have a copy of whatever has been put up on the virtual blackboard for later reference.

The v-board page is password protected (provided in-class).  The password will stay in your browser memory for 10 minutes (it’s called a temporary “cookie”).  If you come back to this page after that time period, you will have to retype your password.  Also, always remember to “reload” the page if you think you’re not seeing the most recent content.  Web browsers “cache” or remember web pages from the recent past.

These maps are for your personal use only and cannot be distributed.

3.  How do I open a Mindmanager file?

As of Spring 2009, Mindjet has provided free licenses to Mindmanager version 8 to the law school community.  Here are the instructions to install Mindmanager on your computer:

Get License from I.T.

Please phone or email Information Systems and tell them you need a Win or Mac license.

Install Mindmanager

Windows Users:

1. Click for windows version

2. Authenticate using your LawNET network credentials

3. Click your browser’s Open button to download the compressed ZIP file

4. Double-click the installation application (MM82-E-319.EXE) – this may require that you click an additional Run button

5. Accept the licensing agreement along with all suggested default options [Hint: make sure that you click on "Activate" and "Automatic Activation (online required)"]

Mac Users:

1. Click for Mac version.

2. Authenticate using your LawNET network credentials

3. This should open installation instructions directing you to drag a copy of the Mind Manager program to your Applications folder

4. Accept the licensing agreement the first time you launch the program [Hint: make sure that you click on "Activate" and "Automatic Activation (online required)"]

Unfortunately I can’t act as technical assistance.  Please contact the law school’s Information Systems Office first.

Notice:  The current version that Mindjet is selling on its website is MM 2012.  However, the licenses that you can get for free from UCLAW is version 8.  Please don’t download the “trial version” from Mindmanager’s website unless you want to pay for it.  (If you do want to buy it, search for an academic license, which will be cheaper.) The files I save will be readable by versions 8 and later.

4. 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.  I will, of course, take administrative questions, such a “Why’s the web server down?” and “What is your office hours policy?”   You might want to review my various FAQs before asking.

5.  Why does Professor Kang use all these technologies?

I do it for two reasons.  First, as survey data from former students 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.

6. 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. Try online backup Crashplan or Mozy. Email critical files to your own free Google gmail account. Do something.  Really.