A leading provider of digital devices in U.S. prisons is introducing a new initiative to assist incarcerated individuals in obtaining a high school diploma using the company’s tablets. This move is seen as a positive step towards expanding virtual education, especially for inmates with limited literacy skills. However, some advocates caution that there are limitations to what such prison technology can achieve.
ViaPath, a company that offers secure devices and telecommunications services for the criminal justice system, has revealed plans for inmates nationwide to enroll in virtual classes through a collaboration with Promising People and American High School. ViaPath boasts having 700,000 tablets already in use in nearly 2,000 prisons and jails, with the asynchronous classes set to be accessible for free on their tablets.
Tony Lowden, ViaPath’s Chief Social Impact Officer, emphasized the potential impact of earning a high school diploma in reducing recidivism rates. Studies, including a meta-analysis by the RAND Corporation, have shown that education plays a significant role in lowering reincarceration costs. The company aims to provide inmates with a more comprehensive education than traditional GED courses, including career and technical education through virtual reality headsets.
Despite ViaPath asserting that inmates can use their tablets for free with no charges for educational programs, the realm of prison telecommunications remains a profitable industry. Many state and local governments have lucrative contracts for phone services, tablets, and apps in prisons which can accumulate costs for inmates with minimal wages.
While the convenience of prison tablets is recognized, there are limitations in terms of access and consistency, as highlighted by individuals like former inmate Ryan Moser. Advocates emphasize the pressing need for increased educational opportunities for inmates. Only a small percentage of incarcerated individuals in Florida earned a GED last year, indicating room for improvement.
Efforts to enhance education access for inmates are viewed positively, although there are concerns about the efficiency of virtual instruction. Digital infrastructure has facilitated educational programs in prisons, particularly during times when in-person access is restricted, like during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the limitations of current technology, the push for expanded educational opportunities for inmates continues.
Advocates stress the importance of education in preparing inmates for reentry into society. While virtual programs offer a valuable alternative, there is recognition of the irreplaceable impact of traditional classroom settings and in-person instruction by qualified teachers. The discussion around advancing education in prisons remains ongoing, aiming to provide inmates with the necessary tools for successful rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
