Online Education in Prison

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by graymatter, Jul 18, 2010.

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  1. graymatter

    graymatter Member

    I have a friend from high school is about to be sentenced to prison - likely for close to 15 years. He's brilliant but made poor decisions during his senior year of high school and never really got life off the ground.

    I received a letter from him today that was quite encouraging. First, he's sober (having now been locked up for 8 months awaiting trial/sentencing). Second, he's interested in furthering his education.

    I've taught online for 2 schools - but I have no idea where to direct him. I couldn't even find much research online.

    What opportunities are there for prison inmates to engage in accredited online education?

    Thanks.
     
  2. SurfDoctor

    SurfDoctor Moderator

    If your friend has a way to pay for it, and an Internet connection, I don't see any restrictions on which school he could attend. Am I missing something? Excelsior, TESC and NCU might be among the lower priced options for regional accreditation.
     
  3. Shawn Ambrose

    Shawn Ambrose New Member

    What state is your friend in, that may make a difference. As far as DL, your friend is likely looking at correspondence school (low tech).

    I have posted this link based on others saying that being a paralegal can literally save one's life in prison.

    Online Paralegal School - Certificate in Paralegal Studies - U.S. Career Institute

    The program is accredited by DETC.

    Shawn
     
  4. major56

    major56 Active Member

    Ohio University (College Program for the Incarcerated): College Program for the Incarcerated at Ohio University
     
  5. jackrussell

    jackrussell Member

  6. rickyjo

    rickyjo New Member

    Paralegal is a good idea for somebody with legal problems. One hour of helping somebody with a paralegal assignment and I had an idea for how to convince my insurance company that my wrecked car was "stolen" (and really it was, and the insurance company tentatively agreed! Unfortunately, it turned out that I don't actually have coverage for a stolen vehicle).
     
  7. BobbyJim

    BobbyJim New Member

    Also, LSU has print based college courses. Online courses are probably not available to your friend.

    Some states have community college programs available (face to face) in the prisons.
     
  8. Perhaps, Dr Bear might be able to help. If I remember rightly, in one of the early editions of his book there was a story about a man who had earned Bachelors, Masters and Doctorate in prison.
     
  9. Hille

    Hille Active Member

    Book

    Good Morning. Try getting him a copy of Prisoners' Guerilla Guide to Correspondece by Jon Marc Taylor. I also suggest you look at Corrections Education Association. In the past there were couses available via radio. The book is pretty interesting and available through our public library which means it could be an ILL loan throughout the US. Hille
     
  10. japhy4529

    japhy4529 House Bassist

    I believe you are referring to Douglas Dean. Dr. Dean earned his PhD in Psychology through UNISA (University of South Africa).

    BTW, UNISA might be a good option for your friend. I believe that all of their courses are via correspondence. Not sure how one would take exams in prison.

    St. Cloud University offers two associate degree options for the incarcerated. St. Cloud is accredited by The HLC (Higher Learning Commission).
     
  11. perrymk

    perrymk Member

    These links might be useful

    Frequently Asked Questions
    Correctional Education
    Archived: ED/OVAE - Office of Correctional Education Home (OCE)

    EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES FOR INCARCERATED STUDENTS
    Institute for Prison Ministries | Materials

    links on another site
    info on inmate college programs, financial aid [Archive] - Prison Talk

    Prisoners Guerrilla Handbook to Correspondence Programs In the United States and Canada, 3rd Edition
    https://www.prisonlegalnews.org/(S(tsghinznkstb5q55xuchfemq))/Store.aspx
     
  12. graymatter

    graymatter Member

    My understanding is that his institution will not allow for internet access - obviously this severely limits these options. I also understand that access to textbooks is limited to soft-cover only. I got the idea (from him) that more "traditional" online learning is not an option.
     
  13. graymatter

    graymatter Member

    He is in Florida. Yes, I understand that (maybe) his only options relate to correspondence options (rather than online learning).
     
  14. graymatter

    graymatter Member

  15. GeeBee

    GeeBee Member

    I'm late to the thread, but I'll just mention that most of the University of London distance learning programs don't require an internet connection. Nelson Mandela earned his degree from them while in prison. And they've been doing DL longer than anyone.
     

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