Kelly,
   
  So glad you have asked.  I formerly taught in the prison system and because of the Guards fear of computers, they block off everything to the incarcerated, so although they like to say it is a security concern the fact of the matter is it is the CO's concerns that are addressed when DVD's are not allowed.  The truth of the matter is, although they espouse introducing the inmates to society, if the majority of the guards don't understand the complexities of the values or inter-workings of the computers then the incarcerated will NEVER be given that opportunity.  During my tenure ( as a business - computer instructor) I tried to purchase software which would show the inmates how he Internet functions without actually going outside on the Internet, this was highly discouraged and frowned upon.  I felt it was a vital tool for inmates as most entry level employment opportunities consisted of applying for employment via some type of computer kiosk....Also the fact as you
 mentioned, that my students needed to be somewhat familiar with ATMS and other systems in 0rder to be integrated into the greater society, was a concern which the administration would have rather forgotten.
   
  Today however my concern is with my adult students who are enrolled in an unconventional program  ( GRASP- Giving rural students a study program)where their access to regularly scheduled classes is impossible due to work scheduling constraints or inability to secure home assistance for loved ones, or their inability to secure transportation on a consistent basis.  This program offers my students a self taught program where assignments are distributed bi-weekly and the work is assessed and evaluated by me with feedback.  The students are permitted to ask for one on one tutoring if necessary to prepare for their GED exams, and of course they are Tabe tested as to their progress on a regular basis.
   
  Many of my students are poor and cannot afford computers, or have no access to the local library.  A vast majority of my students as time goes on, do seem to have computer access if not with older windows systems.  I really would like to know if DVD disks for learning with adults are available for basic skills.  A program where a mom might be able to quit and take care of a child and then comeback and continue would be ideal.  The subjects which seem to give my students the most problems are Math- Algebra, fractions, percentages/ Reading- comprehension/ Writing- synonyms, punctuation and paragraph structure.
   
  Thanks for your interest

Kelly Potter Markham <kelly at gcflearnfree.org> wrote:
                Temesghen,
   
  Thanks for the positive words about the site. You mentioned educational DVDs. We’re actually working on that right now. We’ve had a lot of interest from the prison system about it since inmates don’t have Internet access. The idea is that many inmates have been in prison since before ATMs and debit card machines, so many of our lessons would help with acclimating them to society. The other lessons would be helpful as well, since there are many low-literacy learners in the prison system.
   
  What is your interest in the DVDs? Do your learners have limited Internet access? It would be helpful for us to determine what other audiences would benefit from the DVDs if we decide to produce them and distribute them for free.
   
  Thanks,
  Kelly
   
  Kelly Potter Markham
  Instructional Designer, GCFLearnFree.org
  kelly at GCFLearnFree.org
   
  Visit http://www.GCFLearnFree.org today to learn the computer training and life skills you need to succeed!
   
  The freedom to learn what you want, when you want, absolutely free!
   

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