Blended learning equips offenders with valuable skills
E-Learning specialists, Learning Light, have collaborated with electronics recycling company Active Recycling to deliver a unique training programme to prisoners of HMP Wealstun. The principles of the Disassembly of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) are delivered through a blended learning programme, devised by Learning Light.
Learning Light are a not for profit organisation that specialises in e-learning and the technology sector. By applying their expertise to the recycling programme, they structured a training solution that accounted for the difficulties that often arise with offender learning.
There are factors that make classroom learning in prisons extremely difficult. The average reading age of the learners involved is 12 and many of the prisoners have dyslexia. Prisoners will often fall behind and become too embarrassed to speak up and ask for help. E-learning combats this problem as the prisoners learn independently, at a pace that suits them.
A Flash-based programme called “Articulate” guides the learners through the principles of WEEE disassembly using visual slides and a voice over. The second strand of the learning programme enables the prisoners to put the theory into practice. Active Recycling provides a chain of WEEE products to be disassembled by the prisoners, based on the skills they have learnt on the computers.
Reducing Re-offending is a major target in the UK and it is hoped that the programme will deter re-offending by offering ex-prisoners the prospect of work. The blended learning programme offers skills that are accredited by the Chartered Institute of Wastes Management. Employment company Alan Associates guarantees an interview for prisoners who have gained these skills.
Responses to the programme have been extremely positive. Gillian Broadhead, Head of Networking Management at Learning Light, is confident that e-learning is the right way to improve the skills of offenders. She comments, “E-learning ticks so many boxes. It is available 24 hours a day, there is an element of self-control and ultimately the prisoners feel more comfortable learning this way.”
Gillian is currently presenting the WEEE Disassembly programme to other prisons in the region. She hopes that more offenders will use e-learning to improve their future prospects.
“The opportunity to learn a new skill is the catalyst for many prisoners. E-learning provides them with this opportunity; it really is a crucial component to the programme.”
Contact info:
Gillian Broadhead
Head of Networking Development
Learning Light Ltd
Sheaf Suite, Albion House
Savile Street
Sheffield
S4 7UD
T: 0114 201 8925
