Here are described specific initiatives undertaken or plan to undertake as part of the project: presentations, workshops, conferences, or collaborations with relevant organizations.
The importance and benefits of providing learning opportunities to adults in and leaving correctional institutions. How education can contribute to community adaptation and improving employability?
Incarceration is a critical time for reflection and rehabilitation, providing adult learners in corrections with an opportunity to reassess their lives and choices. One of the most effective tools for personal growth and positive change is education. Providing learning opportunities to adult learners in corrections can significantly impact their lives and pave the way for a brighter future.
- Romer, K, (2016), Learning behind bars: Realizing the benefits of prison education, Available at: https://thelifelonglearningblog.uil.unesco.org/2022/11/16/learning-behind-bars-realizing-the-benefits-of-prison-education/
- EUROPRIS, Table of reccommendations and practices, Prison Education, Available at: https://www.europris.org/prisoneducation/
- EUROPRIS, (2019), Report: Review of European Prison Education Policy and Council of Europe Recommendation (89) 12 on Education in Prison. Available at: https://www.europris.org/file/report-review-of-european-prison-education-policy-and-council-of-europe-recommendation-89-12-on-education-in-prison/
- UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning, Education in Prison, A literature review, Available at: https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED615405.pdf
How VR is being used as a tool for education within the prison system? Advantages, immersive learning experiences, accessibility, and the potential to simulate real-world scenarios.
In recent years, Virtual Reality (VR) has revolutionized various industries, including education. Within the prison system, this cutting-edge technology has emerged as a powerful tool, offering participants during their time in correctional institutions a unique opportunity for immersive learning experiences.
Advantages of Virtual Reality in Prison Education
Virtual Reality provides various advantages when applied to education within the prison system. Firstly, it offers an interactive and engaging learning environment, which captivates the attention of adults in correctional institutions and enhances knowledge retention.
Immersive learning experiences are at the core of Virtual Reality’s effectiveness in the prison education system. Adults in correctional institutions can delve into historical reenactments, scientific experiments, or vocational training simulations, offering practical and hands-on learning opportunities. These immersive experiences empower them to engage actively with the educational content, stimulating critical thinking and problem-solving competences.
Furthermore, VR allows for personalized learning journeys, catering to each participant’s unique learning pace and style. Adult learners in correctional institutions can navigate through the material at their comfort level, ensuring a more inclusive and effective learning experience.
One of the key advantages of Virtual Reality is its accessibility for diverse learners within the prison system. Participants with varying educational backgrounds or learning disabilities can benefit from the interactive and visual nature of VR. This inclusive approach levels the playing field, providing equal opportunities for education and competencies development. Additionally, VR reduces dependency on physical resources, such as textbooks or equipment, making it a cost-effective solution for prison education programs. This accessibility enables correctional facilities to offer a wider range of subjects and courses without logistical constraints.
Perhaps one of the most significant applications of Virtual Reality in prison education is its potential to simulate real-world scenarios. Adult learners in correctional institutions can engage in lifelike vocational training, allowing them to acquire practical competencies and certifications. This aspect of VR education significantly improves learners’ employability upon re-entry into society, promoting a smoother transition to the workforce.
Virtual Reality has emerged as a transformative tool for education within the prison system, offering adult learners in corrections access to immersive learning experiences, personalized journeys, and real-world simulations. Its advantages, such as enhanced engagement, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness, make it an invaluable asset in promoting education, personal growth, and successful reintegration into society.
References:
- Promotional video created within the 2nd Chance VITA Project: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upxzVJpANQo
- Zoukis, C. (2016). Virtual Reality Behind Bars Could Change the Game for Prisoners. Huff Post. Retrieved from https://www.huffingtonpost.com/christopher-zoukis/virtual-reality-behind-ba_b_12791456.html
- Bindi, T. (2016). New York Startup to Use VR Tech to Rehabilitate Available: https://www.zdnet.com/article/new-york-startup-to-use-vr-tech-to-rehabilitate-prisoners/
- Dolven, T., & Fidel, E. (2017). This prison is using VR to teach inmates how to live on the outside. Retrieved from: https://www.vice.com/en/article/bjym3w/this-prison-is-using-vr-to-teach-inmates-how-to-live-on-the-outside
- Herold, B. (2018). Jobs at all levels now require digital literacy. Here’s Proof. Retrieved from: https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/jobs-at-all-levels-now-require-digital-literacy-heres-proof/2018/09