Transcript IMPROVING ACCESS TO HIGHER EDUCATION AND DISTANCE …

IMPROVING ACCESS TO HIGHER
EDUCATION AND DISTANCE LEARNING
IN PRISONS
Anne Pike – Open University UK ([email protected])
Tracy Irwin – University of Ulster ([email protected])
Background


Individual Research in prisons
International Workshops
(5th Pan Commonwealth Forum on Distance Education –
London, July 2008)





Study group formed
Contributors from England, N.Ireland, Spain, France & India
Transnational research
Online discussion
Sharing of best practice
Higher and Distance Education
in Prison
3 Main Themes Identified



Prison
Pedagogy
Technology
Prison




Punishment versus Rehabilitation
Public/media perception
Benefits of Higher Education
Role models
Prisoner Population






Demotivated, disaffected learners
Poor literacy and numeracy skills
Dyslexia
Mental health difficulties
Drug/alcohol addictions
Less than 25% participation in education
Pedagogy






Unique prison culture
EURODESIP project
Traditional classroom based model
Heavy focus on basic skills
Little training for tutors
Contracting out of education in UK
Pedagogy





‘Special people’
Use of prison officers
Informal learning
HE study for prisoners
HE study for prison staff
Conclusion - Pedagogy




Induction and orientation training
Access to HE for Prison Officers
Development of Officer role
Formal and informal education
Technology




Technology versus security
Internet access
Ability to use ICT on release
European trials



Virtual Campus Model
POLARIS
e-LIS Development Partnership
Conclusion - Technology






Flexible programmes
Modern technologies
Secure web access
Campus model – physical or virtual
E-learning networks
Enhanced trials
Collaborative Action by:







Governments
Prison and probation services
HEIs
Employers
Researchers
European collaboration
Research informing practice
Questions