Wednesday, October 29
10:00 AM-11:00 AM
CDT
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Prisoner Education and Socialization though E-Learning

Roundtable ID: 43473
  1. aaa
    Rodger Scott
    AARP Foundation

Abstract: Incarceration currently accomplishes two of three primary goals, these being punishment and removal from society those who seriously violate the law. To a much lesser degree, prisoners are effectively prepared to return to society following release. To the contrary, prolonged exposure to the violent anti-social environment found within prison walls reduces existing socialization skills, while informally teaching those vulnerable to the law-breaking how to be more effective criminals. In addition, the original underlying causes that prompted the individual to offend may still remain. Upon release, ex-offenders often reoffend, resulting in re-incarceration at substantial cost to society as a whole. Ideally, in addition to punishment and removal from society during the term of incarceration, prisoners should spend their time preparing for societal re-entry. E-Learning may present the key to this transition. Utilizing an interactive E-Learning program supported by a two-way audio/visual interface and standardized responses, each prisoner would spend several hours a day preparing for societal re-entry. Re-socialization would begin with evaluation of educational and societal skill levels, identifying individual skill and knowledge gaps. In addition to teaching traditional baseline skills (math, English, writing), the prisoner would receive substantial socialization skills training. Upon release, the ex-offender would be well prepared to return as a valued societal member.

Objectives

Determine the feasibility of developing an interactive E-Learning platform to provide one-on-one evaluation and training designed to prepare fully offenders for societal reentry. Determine whether existing E-Learning programs may be used to fulfill foundational programmatic requirements. Determine funding sources for purchase and installation of software/hardware including federal funding and funding by prisoner family members. Determine how to enlist the support of prison administration in system development and implementation of E-Learning approach. Determine barriers to envisioned prisoner development E-Learning success.

Topical Outline

Opening Remarks Covering Concept and Workshop Goals Vision Existing E-Learning programs Barriers to Success Sharing of Ideas Next Steps

Experience Level

Intermediate

Qualifications

MBA, currently completing Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership (ABD). Twenty plus years experience working with ex-offenders struggling to re-enter the workforce. Provided training support to 200+ workers in transitioning to prison system employment. Worked in support of prisoners in Angola, Louisiana. Strong advocate of ex-offender re-entry. Worked with ex-offenders in and around New Orleans, Louisiana as part of a federal jobs program. Experienced trainer.
No presider for this session.

Topic

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