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. 

The importance of digital learning in prisons

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. 

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. 

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.  

Being able to use online platforms can help them develop essential skills like learning to use technology, solving problems, and communicating effectively – abilities which are necessary for finding a job and reintegrating into their local communities. 

As well as learning digital skills, digital learning helps prison learners develop a sense of purpose and progress, increasing confidence and self-esteem. 

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 potential benefits of ChatGPT in prison learning

While AI tools like ChatGPT are still relatively new, they have the potential to unlock a new world of learning for people in prison environments. 

Educators can use ChatGPT to streamline lesson planning and create engaging classroom sessions for prison learners – in almost no time at all! One major benefit of this is that it gives our educators more time to focus on interacting with learners, making lessons even more impactful. 

Introducing prison learners to AI through ChatGPT helps them develop digital skills which will be super valuable to them after their release.  

Learners can explore some of the real-world uses of AI, giving them useful insights about technology and potential career paths, all while bringing their digital literacy up to speed in 

In fact, a recent study from ScienceDirect suggests tools like ChatGPT could transform learning by helping learners with content creation, research, and even developing personalised learning approaches!  

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.