EDU6215 Journal #2

Zoukis, C. (2016, September 28). Technology Boosts Prison Education. Retrieved June 20, 2017, from http://www.prisoneducation.com/prison-education-news//technology-boosts-prison-education


Summary
The author of this article is actually a prisoner himself, and acts as a prisoner education advocate. He has published multiple non-fiction works about his experience in prison, and is currently working towards earning his bachelor degree. This article touches on the pros and logistics of using technology in prison education today.

Recommendations & My Reaction
One of the biggest reasons why people are such big proponents of educational technology, is that it focuses on individualized learning. Technology has allowed for students to be in control of how they learn and at what pace. This article states that this is also the case for educational technology in prisons and that  "This is especially important within the prison system where resources are limited, and where there are a wide variety of people with very different backgrounds and education levels". This made so much sense to me after reading it - prisons probably have the most diversity in economic/educational status between prisoners, so how could they have 1 size fits all courses - they would be set up for failure from the start! I thought about how much this would cost, but the author shares that the devices/services purchased can be circulated between prisoners and can replace the need for multiple staff members. The author also shares that "The use of new technology also has the potential for more content creation by each institution, and can be used for vocational training, rehabilitation, careers skills, and mental health services". Something else that I found interesting, was that prisoners would be able to "play" educational games or lessons, and would be able to unlock a song they could listen to after achieving a certain score. This would be more rewarding for prisoners to want to further their education and better themselves. After reading this article, it makes so much sense to utilize educational technology in prisons. There are definitely people skeptical about the fact that prisoners will have access to these devices/technologies, but the author ensured readers that there are specific systems that make sure they are secure and unable to be hacked. overall, I think that educational technology being used in prison is a great idea!