How Augmented Reality can help prison learners and reduce reoffending
What is Augmented Reality?
Augmented Reality enables learners to use an app on any mobile device to scan an image to view interactive content for instruction, learning and reinforcement. They have the ability to learn independently, at own pace, inside and outside of the classroom environment on in-cell. This content can be made up of any functional or vocation skill, prison induction, services available through to preperation for release and beyond the gate.
Why Augmented Reality?
The two published documents that influenced the initial European bid were:
- Unlocking Potential: A review of education in prison by Dame Sally Coates in February 2016.
- Education and Employment Strategy: by the Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State – Rt. Hon David Gauke MP in May 2018.
Both reports concluded:
- Smarter use of ICT and greater digital innovation;
- Enable more flexible learning;
- Prison learners to have controlled access to the internet;
- Digitally delivered in-cell learning;
- Access increased education opportunities through digital technology;
- Technology introduced to support education and pastoral resources and support;
- Continue to support projects that are testing the use of laptop and tablet technology.
There are 2 European funded projects.
Project One: Developing Augmented Reality in Prisoner Learning. For first time prisoners, getting past the first few days is the hardest part. The first resources cover ‘Prison Induction’ process. This will great benefit to ‘the learner’ & aims to put them at ease, prison information direct from fellow prisoners & to show that they are not alone. A series of AR posters and learning cards to act as a trigger to an individual resource, video, or multiple
Project Two: Supporting Prison Learners to Prepare for Life on the Outside.
Augmented Reality (AR) can provide prisoners with a more interactive way of learning, facilitate research, activities, instruction, and information. A series of AR resources, including resource posters and guidance/learning cards, covering aspects of employability and life skills to support offender learners to prepare for life on release.
Conclusion
Augmented Reality will give a more personal and realistic approach to support learners for life in custody and on release to reintegrate back into society. We have tested it with current PEF staff who were inspired and impressed with the concept and AR resources to date. We need prisons to pilot the resources and ensure security and access are a key factor and of major importance. The project will need to ensure that the resources are 'locked' from the outside world and access is monitored and within the security confines required for custodial institutions.
For more information on these projects and progress to date can be found at the following project websites and blog links:
Phase 1 project: https://www.scg.ac.uk/erasmus
Phase 2 project: https://www.scg.ac.uk/erasmus2
Resource examples: https://tinyurl.com/2p2bcjwe
AR process and the learner experience: https://tinyurl.com/6j9sxwjp
I have over 21 years’ experience in the development, use and support of ILT within the education sector and the lead on a European funded project to support prison learners to improve their education.
For a virtual demonstration or more information please contact:
Richard Booth - ILT Coordinator and Project Lead
Shrewsbury Colleges Group
email: [email protected]
phone: 01743 342 442
Georgie Morgan
Georgie Morgan
Georgie joined techUK as the Justice and Emergency Services (JES) Programme Manager in March 2020, then becoming Head of Programme in January 2022.
Georgie leads techUK's engagement and activity across our blue light and criminal justice services, engaging with industry and stakeholders to unlock innovation, problem solve, future gaze and highlight the vital role technology plays in the delivery of critical public safety and justice services. The JES programme represents suppliers by creating a voice for those who are selling or looking to break into and navigate the blue light and criminal justice markets.
Prior to joining techUK, Georgie spent 4 and a half years managing a Business Crime Reduction Partnership (BCRP) in Westminster. She worked closely with the Metropolitan Police and London borough councils to prevent and reduce the impact of crime on the business community. Her work ranged from the impact of low-level street crime and anti-social behaviour on the borough, to critical incidents and violent crime.
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- [email protected]
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- https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgie-henley/
Cinzia Miatto
Cinzia Miatto
Cinzia joined techUK in August 2023 as the Justice and Emergency Services (JES) Programme Manager.
The JES programme represents suppliers, championing their interests in the blue light and criminal justice markets, whether they are established entities or newcomers seeking to establish their presence.
Prior to join techUK, Cinzia held positions within the third and public sectors, managing international and multi-disciplinary projects and funding initiatives. Cinzia has a double MA degree in European Studies from the University of Göttingen (Germany) and the University of Udine (Italy), with a focus on politics and international relations.
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Georgina Maratheftis
Georgina Maratheftis
Georgina is techUK’s Associate Director for Local Public Services
Georgina works with suppliers that are active or looking to break into the market as well as with local public services to create the conditions for meaningful transformation. techUK regularly bring together local public services and supplier community to horizon scan and explore how the technologies of today and tomorrow can help solve some of the most pressing problems our communities face and improve outcomes for our people and places.
Prior to techUK, Georgina worked for a public policy events company where she managed the policy briefing division and was responsible for generating new ideas for events that would add value to the public sector. Georgina worked across a number of portfolios from education, criminal justice, and health but had a particular interest in public sector transformation and technology. Georgina also led on developing relationships across central and local government.
If you’d like to learn more about techUK, or want to get involved, get in touch.
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