Using portable Moodle and eReaders to enhance learning at a distance for incarcerated offenders

Using portable Moodle and eReaders to enhance learning at a distance for incarcerated offenders

Incarcerated offenders face a number of additional challenges 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.

This paper outlines a project underway at the University of Southern Queensland and the Southern Queensland Correctional Centre in Gatton that is aimed at addressing this challenge. A standalone version of Moodle is being developed that will run on a server and an isolated network of computers within the education centre of the prison. Satellite Moodle will run independently of the internet and will not be able to connect to any computers or networks outside the education centre. The features of Moodle will be modified to allow students to access their coursework and engage in forum discussions. Library resources and course readings will be provided on eReaders, without internet connectivity.

It is expected that the project will result in numerous benefits, among them: students will be participating in learning experiences more closely related to those experienced by students outside of the prison system; they will be learning relevant IT skills, e-literacy and e-research skills; USQ will be fulfilling its obligation in relation to equity of access; and will be addressing the Federal Government's agenda of increasing participation by socially and economically disadvantaged groups in higher education. Satellite Moodle will also enable USQ to provide internet independent versions of courses to students in other areas that do not have access to the internet.

Moodlemoot 2012 Theme: •Slip, Slop, Slap - Breaking Barriers The project supports at risk students in the form of incarcerated students who are often from Indigenous or low socio-economic backgrounds.