CHICAGO — Where’s the first place you go when you want to find out more information? It’s likely you turn to a screen, and even more likely you reach for your smartphone device. Today nearly two-thirds of Americans own one, and they use it for more than just calling and texting – many of them are using it to learn.
According to Pew Research Center, 30% of owners use their phones to take classes or read up on educational content. Another found that more than 5.8 million students have enrolled in at least one online course in 2015.
The Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism has taken note of this revolutionary change in learning and the innovative potential of online education, and in turn, developed its first online interactive course to educate lawyers around the state on issues of professionalism.
Talking About My Generation: Learning Conversations in the Legal Workplace is a free online CLE that focuses on improving communication among the four generations present in today’s workplace – Traditionalists, Baby Boomers, Gen Xers, and Millennials.
Interestingly enough, complaining about young people in the working world is not a new development. With varied life experiences, each generation has its own unique perceptions, perspectives, and values – some of which vary greatly from one another. By laying out the history and values of each of the four generations, the course teaches lawyers how to engage in learning conversations to create a more cohesive and collaborative workplace.
Comprised of interactive videos, audio, quizzes, activities, and games, this online course incorporates several in-person learning techniques in an highly-accessible online format – ensuring the 90,000+ attorneys in Illinois can learn about professionalism on the go or even in the comfort of their own homes.
Commission Chair Judge Debra B. Walker believes this course is crucial for those seeking to understand professionalism in today’s workplace:
The course is diverse, interactive and fascinating on every level. It tells a highly engaging story of four very different generations, and gives all attorneys communication strategies that they can use right now in their practices. I look forward to this course changing the conversation on the potential of online learning and CLE.
Talking About My Generation: Learning Conversations in the Legal Workplace has been approved for one hour of Illinois professional responsibility CLE credit, and can be accessed from the Commission’s online CLE portal.
For more information about generational communication or the online course please contact Michelle Silverthorn at michelle.silverthorn@2civility.org.
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About the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism
The Commission on Professionalism was established by the Illinois Supreme Court in September 2005 to foster increased civility, professionalism and inclusiveness among lawyers and judges in the State of Illinois. By advancing the highest standards of conduct among lawyers, we work to better serve clients and society alike. These duties we uphold are defined under Supreme Court Rule 799(c). For more information, please visit 2Civility.org, the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism’s website.
Press Contact:
Erika Kubik — erika.kubik@2civility.org — 312.363.6209