E-Learning in prison

Ten years ago scientists from the TZI - Center for Computing and Communication Technologies in Bremen started to develop two web-based learning platforms for convicts. The goal is to prepare inmates for the time after their imprisonment.

The electronic-learning platform "Elis" is being used in 50 prisons across 11 federal states. According to a study, vocational training during imprisonment reduces fall-back rates of inmates by 10 to 20 per cent. Two years ago the EU-Project "Licos" kicked off. Licos attempts to implement e-learning across prisons in Europe. Developers from Norway, the Netherlands, England, Belgium, Austria, Spain and Hungary are participating in this project.

Since it is difficult to build learning groups in prisons and to find enough people interested in skills development, individual training is especially important for learning in a prison environment. The solution is a web-based platform using digital media. It allows for learning in small groups and for blended learning. The convicts can use the PC to take tests, such as the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) or to gather information about job opportunities at the employment agency.

It is important that teachers are not only tutors, but also motivators, since many convicts suffer from school traumas and learning deficiencies. Another benefit of the platform is, that it does not allow for a planned escape through the internet. The developers have invested more than half of their time into security details. Since the introduction of the platform 5 years ago, no security breaches have been reported.