Finding the momentum to learn through in-cell learning in prison.
Despite being at the start of a long prison sentence, Connor has decided to embrace education and is showing incredible enthusiasm towards his studies. He has been quickly working his way through learning content on his Coracle device and, within just a few weeks of getting his laptop, he had completed ten AIMS courses using in-cell learning in prison as his main method of study.
Connor has said “it’s a privilege” to have the Coracle device and his Coracle Site Support Worker can see much he values it. His excitement at having the laptop is obvious from the progress he is making with his learning journey. He is also getting encouraging feedback which is spurring him on to learn more. In fact, this motivation shows how valuable in-cell learning in prison can be for long-term engagement.
This positive experience is all the more important for Connor because he is currently on a unit for prisoners with mental health issues. Having the Coracle device is giving him a new sense of achievement and confidence, and it’s this that is driving his momentum to learn. He is not afraid to share vulnerabilities or admit challenges. Knowing he wasn’t a particularly fast reader, Connor asked for his device to be updated with Text to Speech to make it easier, and quicker, for him to complete assignments. He is also open about his struggles with his mental health and admits that focusing on learning has helped him get to “a much better place” than he was before.
So what’s next for Connor?
The Coracle device and the support he has received are making him feel even more ambitious for his studies. He is interested in completing Bitesize Maths and English courses and ultimately would like to do an Open University course. Connor is undeterred by the length of his sentence and, instead, seems keen to open up as many opportunities as possible while he is in prison. Moreover, in-cell learning in prison continues to support this development. What’s particularly encouraging, is that his motivation towards his learning extends to his behaviour. His Coracle Site Support Worker reports that, whenever she sees him, he has very positive body language and a very optimistic attitude.
Not his real name, image for illustrative purposes only.
