IMPROVING ACCESS TO HIGHER EDUCATION AND DISTANCE LEARNING IN PRISONS Anne Pike – Open University UK Tracy Irwin – University of Ulster

Background Individual Research in prisons International Workshops (5 th 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