Development of a USQ Diploma and Degree Pathway using Portable Learning Environments for Incarcerated Adult Distance Edu

1. Development of a USQ Diploma and Degree Pathway using Portable Learning Environments for Incarcerated Adult Distance Education Students Briefing presentation for USQ's Correctional Centre bid under round 2 of the HEPPP Partnership Competitive Grant Scheme USQ Open Access College Digital Futures Institute Queensland Corrective Services

2. Incarcerated offenders face a number of challenges additional to those faced by most other students studying at a distance. • Lack of internet access is especially problematic for those studying in a sector that is increasingly characterised by online course offerings.

3. The percentage of prisoners in custody with education levels higher than primary has increased by 13% since 1998.

4. Background • USQ and universities worldwide are moving towards digital learning environments to keep up with the increasing demand for digital literacy skills. • As USQ moves away from printed materials it is becoming increasingly difficult to provide incarcerated students with equivalent learning experiences and the skills required for success in future employment or study. • Increasing demands are placed on educational officers within the correctional centre to obtain the resources and materials required by students.

5. Proposed approach • Degree pathway: • Diploma of Arts • Bachelor of General Studies • Completely independent of the internet • Specialisations in multiple fields available • Delivered using innovative and secure technologies • Free educational resources i.e. open educational textbooks

6. Diploma of Arts • Comprises the first year of the Bachelor of General Studies • Provides a basic qualification and can be used for credit transfer/exemption in other programs. • Aims to produce diplomates who have demonstrated competencies in communication skills necessary for further academic study. • Provides students with an awareness of the nature of study in the arts, humanities, and social sciences. • Develops foundation knowledge, skills and competencies in at least one discipline area. • Requires completion of eight courses, one of which is a core course. • Ensure diplomates who have a fundamental ability to express thoughts with clarity and coherence in written and/or oral forms.

7. Bachelor of General Studies • Created for students who want to profit from a wide choice of study areas. • Sample a range of university subjects before embarking on a more specialised degree program. • Offers substantial choice and flexibility, allowing entry to a wide range of career and study options, including transfer to other degree programs. • Students study courses chosen from a mix of the following discipline categories: Humanities, Social Science, Biological Sciences, Physical Sciences, Environment and Sustainability, Business/Commerce, Engineering and Spatial Sciences.

8. Project overview • The proposed learning technologies consists of two components: • Portable Moodle: • A portable version of the USQ StudyDesk (called Moodle) will be loaded directly onto a local server within the correctional centre.

9. Project overview • The proposed learning technologies consists of two components: • E-Readers: • Will hold coursework materials and relevant library resources and be provided to students to take back to their cells.

10. Portable Moodle and eReaders will soon be used in a trial project with OAC’s Tertiary Preparation Program at the new Correctional Centre in Gatton.

11. Tertiary Preparation Program (TPP) • The trial project will focus on students from TPP7120 Studying to Succeed within the Tertiary Preparation Program • The course is for prospective students of the University of Southern Queensland who are over 18 and can’t gain entry via traditional pathways. • Typically between 8 and 15 students at Borallon Correctional Centre (soon to be relocated to South Queensland Correctional Centre).

12. eBook Readers • No internet, wireless, 3G connectivity • No removable batteries • Ability to take notes • Highlight text • Submitted on certain days for charging (so never in possession of cord) • Contain course readings • Reference materials – open source

13. Security Risks: Mitigation strategies Used as a weapon e-Reader is small (dimensions W 118.8mm x H 168mm x D 9.6mm. Weight 215g ). e-Reader chosen does not have SD card or external memory capability. USB cord to remain in Education, tagged, log book and register. Battery life approx 2 - 4 weeks, therefore can be charged within 20-30 mins by staff simply by plugging into their computer. The e-Reader cannot access the internet or connect to another device at all (No 3G or wireless capabilities). USB capability Unauthorised documents and photos on E- Reader USB Cable length of 1m Access to the internet

14. Outcome • Development of e-literacy and e-research skills required in future studies and work environments. • Reduced workload and more efficient use of time for overstretched Education Officers. • Reduced costs, particularly printing and resources. • Improved access to materials required for successful completion of coursework. • Improved employment opportunities.

15. Evaluation Quantitative • Surveys • Results Qualitative • Interviews • Focus groups • Staff and students

16. If successful this will be the 1st innovation of its type in the world.

17. Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. Nelson Mandela