Distance Learning in Prisons: Perspectives on Expanding Educational Access to Marginalized Inmate-Prisoners

Abstract

This study explored the issue of relevance of Open and Distance Learning (ODL) in expanding educational access to prisoners. In so doing, one key research question “how relevant is the ODL system in expanding educational access to Tanzanian prisoners?” was addressed. Through a discourse analysis approach, data were collected from the analysis of relevant documents. Documents such as policies, theses, journal articles, relevant websites, books, reports, and newspapers which were thought to be relevant to the study were analysed. With the guidance of the checklist, all relevant information which could assist in addressing the research question was recorded and then, the raw data were properly documented to form transcripts. The raw data from the transcripts were then thematically analysed to form themes and sub-themes which then became the headings/parts of this paper. The findings suggest that prison education is a relevant approach for prisoner rehabilitation. However, considering that prisons are complex environments (total institutions), it is difficulty to conduct education through conventional or/and evening class approaches, hence, ODL is considered a more appropriate approach to expand prisoners’ access to education. This paper calls for both Single Mode and Dual Mode Open and Distance learning institutions – in collaboration with the Tanzania Prisons Service (TPS) – to develop relevant ODL courses for prisoners to serve the purpose.