If anyone is looking for a good CD for teaching computer and Internet
skills to incarcerated students without Interne access (for the
students) go to 

http://www.jegsworks.com/Lessons/

and take a look at Jan's Computer Literacy. It is all available on a CD
and it is very inexpensive and comprehensive.

Gina Lobaccaro

 

"For business reasons, I must preserve the outward sign of sanity."
--Mark Twain

Gina Lobaccaro
Sussex Correctional Institution
Prison Education Department
PO Box 500
Georgetown, DE 19947
Office (302) 856-5282 x 6204
Fax (302) 856-5642
gina.lobaccaro at state.de.us

________________________________

From: focusonbasics-bounces at nifl.gov
[mailto:focusonbasics-bounces at nifl.gov] On Behalf Of ms. smith...!!!
Sent: Saturday, October 06, 2007 12:50 PM
To: The Focus on Basics Discussion List
Subject: [FocusOnBasics 1013] Re: (no subject)

 

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 <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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>

.

  

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