Introduction
Welcome to the Paralegal program online courses brought to you by the hard work and dedication of the paralegal program faculty, coordinator, and staff at Inver Hills Community College. Our online initiative was funded by an E-Learning Curriculum Grant from the Minnesota State colleges and universities. A big thank you goes to Minnesota State!
With our online Paralegal program, you can experience the excellent, quality learning that was only found in our traditional classroom-based education and now is delivered over the internet to you. All of the paralegal courses are offered through a hybrid, online, synchronous or asynchronous format, making your education planning more convenient and flexible.
Course formats
- An online synchronous course meets at specific times.
- An online asynchronous course primarily does not meet at specific times; lectures and material can be reviewed at any time.
- A hybrid course has online and in-person components.
Most of our courses are synchronous, normally meeting via Zoom, an online meeting platform, once every other week. Asynchronous courses may require you to meet via Zoom several times during the semester.
Students must take at least nine semester credits of legal specialty courses through synchronous instruction.
All communication is conducted over D2L Brightspace, a learning management system, through the Inver Hills website.
American Bar Association approved
Our online Paralegal program is approved by the American Bar Association (ABA) and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), North Central Association, and the Minnesota State college and universities system.
The online paralegal classes in our program are the same as the traditional courses and appear as such on your transcript. These courses are part of the required curriculum and count toward the Associate in Science (A.S.) degree or Paralegal certificate.
Coursework is not self-paced
The online paralegal courses are not self-paced. You will need to attend classes, read texts, prepare and submit assignments and projects, engage in group discussions, and take exams at regularly scheduled due dates and times. It is fine to work ahead, but be mindful of deadlines and group discussion requirements.
Some students come to an online class with preconceived notions that the class can be taken at their own speed in their own time frame. The online Paralegal program classes meet at a set time every week for lectures, activities, or discussions.
Time commitment
Online classes in the Paralegal program are intense, college-level courses.
For each credit, expect to spend:
- 1 hour minimum per week working online for class time
- 2-3 hours minimum per week for homework
As an example, for each 3-credit class, expect to spend:
- 3 hours minimum per week online for lectures, participation, and classwork
- 6-9 hours minimum per week for homework
Timeliness
Plan ahead and turn your work in on time. This is the number one problem for an online student! Review the course syllabus and create a calendar with highlighted due dates and intense workload days.
English and grammar skills
Students must assess into ENG 1108 to take PA 1102 – Introduction to Law and Contracts, and complete ENG 1108 to take PA 2222 – Legal Writing and Analysis.
Keyboarding skills
We strongly recommend that you have basic keyboarding skills to be successful in our online/hybrid paralegal program courses. You should be able to type at least 45 words per minute, and understand how to use the internet, compose an email, and create a Word document. You will earn the National Society of Legal Technology Certificate through the paralegal internship coursework.
Grades
Each instructor determines the weight and makeup of the course grade. The syllabus will explain the grading system. Most assignments require original responses and group discussions as well as participation, and timeliness in submission. You will be given instructions by your teacher on how, when, and where to take your exams.
Your instructor will give you directions on how and when to access your grades. Final grades will be submitted to the Records Office and will be posted two (2) to three (3) weeks after the end of the semester or summer session.
Required texts
Any required texts or materials will be listed on the course syllabus and can be ordered through the college bookstore. Go to the Inver Hills Bookstore for books for your courses. Find the semester, Paralegal program (PA), and the number of the course, i.e., PA 1102.
A list of the required and optional textbooks, course packs, and materials will be available through the Inver Hills Bookstore located on the first floor of the College Center. Hours vary so call ahead to be sure the bookstore is open at 651-450-3533.
Orientation and tutorial
Orientation for the paralegal course are offered live, in-person or online via Zoom. Part of the orientation process to the online course will include taking a tutorial that will familiarize you with D2L Brightspace, our course management system.
Instructor assistance
Instructors are available by email, phone, or during office hours either on campus or via Zoom. Instructors will give out their information at the orientation, first class session or on the syllabus.
Technical support
Technical support is available through the Inver Hills – Online Course Information link. Request technical help with your D2L Brightspace class.