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, progressing to Head of Programme in January 2022. Her portfolio then expanded in January 2024 where she now leads our work across fraud and economic crime.
In her current role, Georgie leads techUK’s engagement and initiatives across the blue light and criminal justice sectors. She works closely with industry and stakeholders to drive innovation, address challenges, and anticipate future needs, while showcasing the critical role technology plays in delivering essential public safety and justice services. Through the JES programme, she provides a platform for suppliers, helping them navigate and establish themselves in the blue light and criminal justice markets.
Before joining techUK, Georgie spent four and a half years managing a Business Crime Reduction Partnership (BCRP) in Westminster. Collaborating with the Metropolitan Police and local councils, she focused on mitigating the impact of crime on the business community. Her efforts spanned addressing low-level street crime and anti-social behavior to managing critical incidents and violent crime.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- LinkedIn:
- 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 joining techUK, Cinzia worked in the third and public sectors, managing projects related to international trade and social inclusion.
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- [email protected]
Ella Gago-Brookes
Ella Gago-Brookes
Ella joined techUK in November 2023 as a Markets Team Assistant, supporting the Justice and Emergency Services, Central Government and Financial Services Programmes, before progressing into Junior Programme Manager in January 2024.
Before joining the team, she was working at the Magistrates' Courts in legal administration and graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2022. Ella attained an undergraduate degree in History and Politics, and a master's degree in International Relations and Security Studies, with a particular interest in studying asylum rights and gendered violence.
In her spare time she enjoys going to the gym, watching true crime documentaries, travelling, and making her best attempts to become a better cook.
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- [email protected]
Tracy Modha
Tracy Modha
Tracy supports the marketing of several areas at techUK, including Cyber Exchange, Central Government, Cyber Resilience, Defence, Education, Health and Social Care, Justice and Emergency Services, Local Public Services, Nations and Regions and National Security.
Tracy joined techUK in March 2022, having worked in the education sector for 19 years, covering administration, research project support, IT support and event/training support. My most outstanding achievement has been running three very successful international conferences and over 300 training courses booked all over the globe!
Tracy has a great interest in tech. Gaming and computing have been a big part of her life, and now electric cars are an exciting look at the future. She has warmed to Alexa, even though it can sometimes be sassy!
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 02073312000
- Website:
- www.techuk.org
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracymodha83