Using ChatGPT in prison education

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.

Levelling the playing field for prisoners who can’t access the latest digital tools, our educators are using the AI software to speed up their planning process, leaving more time to engage learners, and are embedding the knowledge and skills base as best they can in their classrooms.

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

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.