Technology Restraints in Prison Education

Technology Restraints in Prison Education

1. Access

   • Technology is old, slow or doesn't work.
   • Not enough devices per learner.
   • Problems with logins.
   • Investments in new technology need effective training to be leveraged.
   • PCs located in a different place to learners' usual classroom.
   • Computer lab also used by other classes.

2. Safety

   • Potential for cyber bullying.
   • Potential for learners to access inappropriate content.

3. Security

   • Requirement to comply with prison security can restrict access to some resources.
   • Potential for cyber security threats to technology (viruses, malware etc).

4. Delivery Methods

   • Low confidence and negative attitudes of tutors.
   • Difficult to prepare resources elsewhere and access them in prison.
   • Unclear expectations for tutors in regard to giving tutors access to digital technology.

5. Learners' Experience

   • A wide range of abilities among learners when using digital technology.
   • Many learners have little or no experience using digital technology.
   • Some learners are resistant to using technology both in and out of prison.