Using ChatGPT in Prison Education

At Novus, we’ve already started using free AI tools like ChatGPT to support learning in prisons.  

It helps our teachers save time when they’re planning lessons and gives learners a chance to explore new technology that’s becoming more common in everyday life.  

By using tools like ChatGPT, we’re helping people inside prisons build digital skills that could help them find work, keep up with the outside world, and prepare for life after release. 

Providing digital opportunities for learners in prison

As part of our commitment towards expanding learner access to digital tools in prison, our education team have introduced ChatGPT and other AI tools to their prison education curriculum and planning. 

The importance of digital learning in prisons

Because people in prison don’t have access to the latest digital tools, our prison educators can use AI tools like ChatGPT to save time when they plan lessons.  

This means they can spend more time working directly with learners and help them build useful digital skills in class. 

By integrating digital skills training into our learning provisions, we help learners to bridge the digital skills gap, preparing them to enter the digital world after release. 

What is ChatGPT?

ChatGPT is a free online tool that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to chat with people, answer questions, and explain things clearly.  

You can type in a question or topic, and it gives you a quick, simple response. 

How can teachers use ChatGPT?

• Plan lessons faster 
• Find ideas for class activities 
• Make tricky topics easier to explain 

How can learners use ChatGPT?

• Ask questions and get clear answers 
• Practise writing and reading  
• Learn about new topics they're interested in 

Basically, it’s like having a helpful assistant you can talk to online. 

Digital tools in action at HMP Preston

One of our tutors from HMP Preston, encouraged by a push from our Digital Learning Team, recently conducted a class on the technology, discussing the history of AI and the ethical implications that go along with a reliance on similar tools.  

Using ChatGPT, our educators were amazed by the time that was saved in preparation, and some of the advice that the system provided around teaching learners about AI.  

With technology advancing so fast and without access to the digital world, many of the learners were fascinated by the scope of the tool and how quickly it is being implemented by businesses and organisations.   

This premise sparked a healthy debate in the class surrounding the opportunities and potential pitfalls of using a new and arguably untested software to make our lives easier.  

The conversation moved on to one of our key teaching components - British Values - and how AI may have a negative impact in legislation linked to facial recognition and reporting bias, while it is arguably beneficial for the overall economy.  

The learners were quick to share their unique insights on the subject and made some excellent points regarding the way AI tools could impact their lives and careers on release from prison.   

We’re always excited to see learners engage and loved hearing their positive feedback! 

The benefits of digital learning for rehabilitation

A strong digital strategy is really important for helping prison learners prepare for life after they’re released – especially if they’ve served a longer sentence.   

It gives learners the chance to: 

• Get used to using technology which is a big part of everyday life and most jobs. 
• Build important skills like problem solving, communication, and confidence. 
• Feel a sense of progress! Learning something new can boost motivation and self-esteem. 
• Prepare for work, as digital skills are now needed in many jobs, so this learning supports future employment. 

By giving learners the knowledge and skills they need for future employment, digital education makes it easier for ex-offenders return to society, reduces the chance of recidivism, and gives them a better footing to start their lives after prison.

The benefits of ChatGPT in prison learning

AI tools like ChatGPT are still new, but they offer a lot of potential in prison education. 

Benefits of ChatGPT in classrooms

• ChatGPT can help educators plan lessons quickly, so they have more time to support learners. 
• It can suggest ideas, topics, and resources to bring learning to life. 
• Learners get real experience with modern tools they’re likely to see after release. 
• It gives prison learners a better understanding of how AI is used in jobs and daily life. 
• Some research shows ChatGPT could help learners work at their own pace and get support with writing and research. 

To sum it up, using ChatGPT in classes can help learners feel more confident with digital tools and more prepared for a future after prison. 

The future of AI and digital learning in prisons

While our learners spend their time in prison, we take every chance to make sure that they aren’t falling behind.   

Not only do we look to maximise their time with us academically, but we also enhance the opportunities for cultural growth.   

Here’s what we’re working on next:  

• Running more lessons that use AI tools like ChatGPT  
• Giving more learners safe access to digital learning  
• Finding better ways to teach digital skills in secure settings  

Educating our learners on digital advances while in a secure environment is a creative challenge that we love to tackle.   

Our goal is to help every learner feel more confident with technology and ready for life after release. 

Take a look at some of our recent work in digital innovation and keep up to date with our social media for more on unique approaches to prison education.