The Oklahoma Bar Association is, once again, responding to the wants of its membership by now allowing OBA members to obtain up to six hours of the required 12 MCLE hours by archived online continuing legal education programming. The OBA Mandatory Continuing Legal Education Commission approved this modification, and the change is effective Jan. 1, 2009.

The six-hour limitation applies to only pre-recorded online programming. Live online programming, telephone seminars, Webcasts, and Webinars, are not included in this limitation, and members may obtain all 12 hours with these forms of delivery.

Members who have not yet complied with 2008 MCLE requirements must comply with the 2008 online limit, therefore, they can only obtain three hours of archived online programming.

The OBA Continuing Legal Education Department catalog for online programming is available at http://www.legalspan.com/okbar/catalog.asp. The OBA/CLE online catalog has hundreds of CLE hours available for viewing, including many OBA/CLE programs and continuing legal education programs from other state bar associations. OBA/CLE provides continuing legal education programming via many delivery mechanisms.

What is an online video program?

OBA/CLE online programs include archived video programs. After registering for an online program, registrants receive an e-mail with a link to the online program. The program does not have to be viewed immediately and is usually available for viewing to the registrant for several weeks. The program includes a video replay and downloadable materials. An online video program is considered an online purpose of MCLE credit, and members are limited to six hours of archived video and audio programming each year.

What is an online audio program?

OBA/CLE online programs include archived audio programs, or more commonly called - CLEtoGo. After registering for an online audio program, registrants receive an e-mail with a link to the online program. The program can then be downloaded to any personal digital player. The program does not have to be listened to immediately and is usually available to the registrants for several weeks. The program includes downloadable materials. Registrants are required to provide an audio code available in the program in order to download a certificate of completion. An online audio program is considered an online purpose of MCLE credit, and members are limited to six hours of archived video and audio programming each year.

What is a Webcast seminar?

OBA/CLE Webcasts are programs broadcast live (“real time”) over the Internet. The Webcast includes live video stream of the presenter, downloadable materials and PowerPoint slides, if used by the presenter. After registering for a Webcast, registrants receive an e-mail with instructions. For some programs, registrants may also e-mail questions to the presenter. A Webcast program is considered a live program and not an online program for purposes of MCLE credit.

What is a Webinar?

OBA/CLE Webinars are programs broadcast live (“real time”). Audio is delivered over the telephone. Materials and PowerPoint presentations are delivered via the Internet. Webinars have a live desktop component that make this form of delivery appropriate for technology training. A Webinar is considered a live program and not an outline program for purposes of MCLE credit. After registering for a Webinar, registrants receive an e-mail with instructions.

What is a telephone seminar?

OBA/CLE telephone seminars are programs broadcast live (“real time”). Audio is delivered over the telephone. Materials and PowerPoint presentations are delivered via the Internet. A telephone program is considered a live program and not an online program for purposes of MCLE credit. After registering for a telephone seminar, registrants receive an e-mail with instructions.

What is a video seminar?

OBA/CLE videotapes many of its live programs. Those videotapes can be replayed for MCLE credit if viewed at the Oklahoma Bar Center or if viewed at the same time and same place with five or more OBA members. Videotapes and materials are shipped nationwide. The six-hour limit doesn’t apply to videos viewed in this manner.