Interview: Emma Bernard, elite athlete and distance learning student at the Law School

Training
A pioneer in distance learning, the Law School has been offering this program for over 30 years, with courses now ranging from the Capacité to the Master 2. Instruction is delivered via a digital learning platform called Moodle, which provides all the tools needed to study from home while staying connected to the network of faculty and students. This program benefits all students who cannot attend classes in person for personal or professional reasons, such as Emma Bernard, a 22-year-old elite athlete and distance learning student, whose testimonial we present below.
What sport do you compete in at a high level?
My sport is snowboarding. I was on the French national team for five years, during which time I competed on the international circuit (World Cups and World Championships). The most significant titles I have won so far are: Junior World Champion in half-pipe, Junior World Runner-up in team boardercross, and 3rd in the overall World Cup half-pipe standings.

What program did you pursue at the Law School ?
I completed my three-year undergraduate law degree at the University of Grenoble and am continuing this year with a Master’s 1 in Business Law.

Why did you choose distance learning?
Since I’m abroad and traveling almost all year round for training and competitions, and since I have a rigorous physical training regimen during the off-season, it’s impossible for me to attend in-person classes. Distance learning therefore allows me to balance my sport with the studies I wish to pursue.

What are the advantages of this teaching method for you?
The main advantage is being able to continue my studies without having to attend lectures or tutorials, which is significant for an athlete who must dedicate themselves to their sport! I recommend this mode of instruction to other elite athletes who want to study law.

In your opinion, are there any disadvantages to this mode of instruction?
I think the disadvantage is that there isn’t really any real contact with professors like in face-to-face classes; everything is done through email or the forum.

What advice would you give to future distance learning students to help them better navigate their academic year?
Indistance learning, we’re sort of “left to our own devices,” so to succeed, I think you need to be organized in your studying, determined, and above all, motivated!

What do you think of the MOODLE learning platform and its educational forum?
The Moodle platform is great for accessing course materials. The same goes for the forum, which lets you ask questions if you’re having trouble with a course.

During your program, did you complete the homework assignments and attend the optional tutorial sessions?
Unfortunately, with my schedule, it’s difficult for me to submit homework assignments on time, since I’m working on my coursework from May through August. The same goes for the tutorials, which are
offered once the competition season has started!

Are you planning to continue your studies through distance learning?
This year, I’m continuing my studies through distance learning in the first year of my Master’s program. Moving forward, since the second year of the Master’s program I wish to pursue isn’t offered through distance learning, I’ll continue my studies in on-campus classes.

What are your career plans?
My plan is to take the bar exam at the end of my second year of the Master’s program to become a lawyer.
Published on February 23, 2017
Updated on July 1, 2024