prisons

Through the use of IT in prisons, it has become incresingly easier to obtain an education whilst in jail. Advances in 'home-learning' and online degrees now enable even inmates to leave jail ready for possibly a new career and a new life as well as providing them with digital literacy, which is an important asset in the global community today. Doing time in jail means you have a lot of time on your hands, and often education can become a vital part of the rehabilitation process. Through the use of the internet, distance is no longer a barrier and classes are available once there is a computer, a modem, and an Internet connection- increasingly popular tools in prisons today.
 * EDUCATION IN PRISONS **

//Telelearning is a term that refers to any learning related process via communication technologies. You could imagine you being a student and teacher being on the screen of your computer and you talking to the microphone while voice of your teacher comes from the speakers. There even could be a whole class on the virtual class room that only exists on internet and you may be discussing about some subjects with people who are physically scattered everywhere around the world. This learning process through telecommunication is telelearning.// (Source:[])
 * __ TELELEARNING __**

Advantages: Reduces transportation costs Reduces costs for purchase physical tools (e.g textbooks, uniform...) No need for large buildings like schools (pay less rent) People in isolated areas (e.g. prisons) can also benefit

Disadvantages: Potentially high cost to set up (especially in relation to equipment needed for web conferencing) Cost of internet service Need for increased network bandwidth Less personal touch/human interaction Too much time at the computer can bring about health issues No social aspect

//How can people in prisons benefit?// Stay in touch with outside world Chance to use prison time wisely Helps in rehabilitation process Increases chances of not returning to prison again Offers career opportunities for when leaving prison

//Issues?// //Equality of access// //Authenticity// //Policies and standards//

WriteAPrisoner.com //"Anyone can pursue an education, even an inmate or ex-con."// This institution supports education within the prison system. Whilst in prison, inmates can still attend courses and gain a degree in higher education, even from several top universities. __ Links to other strands __ //Strand 1:// The digital divide and equality of access, People and machines, Digital citizenship //Strand 2:// Education and training //Strand 3//: Internet, Personal and public communications [|WriteAPrisoner.com] //"// //Research shows that continued education helps keep inmates from returning to prison."//

Articles: [|Distance Learning: A Transforming Opportunity For Inmates] [|IT Training for Prison Inmates in Lebanon]

//"Prison sentences always constitute a deprivation of freedom"// Internet access can be considered a privilege, as it grants the user access to unlimited information on a very wide range of subjects. Should we be giving this right to potentially harmful people though? Is internet access a basic human right? [|E-Learning in Prisons- Is this right?]

[|TechnologyInPrisons.org]- Project to promote use of technology for education in prisons

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**TRAINING IN PRISONS** With developing security systems in prisons, training needs to play an important role if it is to work efficiently. Mock prison riots are now held at several prisons to firstly test the technology, and secondly test the reaction of those involved with it. It mimics emergencies to deal with consequences and provide greater security. [|MockPrisonRiot.org]

Article: [|Mock Prison Riot]