Students serve time in virtual classroom

Keywords: Prisons, Education, Training, Computers

A virtual training environment has been set up for inmates at Magilligan Prison in a project between The Prison Education Service and the North East Institute (NEI) in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. Working with Ascot Systems,a leader in IT-based training delivery systems, the project allows tutors at NEI to run classes for inmates at the prison, 70 miles away.

The initiative at the prison, to teach a programme of computer-aided design classes using AutoCAD, is being made possible by use of CoursemasterRemote, an interactive distance learning system. This provides the remote trainer with full control of each student's screen, mouse and keyboard.

The system is further enhanced by application sharing and audio visual links, giving the students all the advantages of a classroom environment without the tutor having to travel to a remote location. CoursemasterRemote uses ISDN connections to link the college and the prison.

"CoursemasterRemote allows students to see and talk to each other and the tutor simultaneously, so it's as interactive as a normal classroom environment",said Dr Brian Hill, programme manager at the North East Institute. "It's effective because the tutor can see each screen and correct work as they go along, ensuring that everyone keeps up and their attention is maintained. The same technology could easily be used to provide interactive learning for people such as those in remote rural areas, children in hospitals or off-shore workers."

The technology is currently being used to teach classes of six students from their PCs within the prison.

For further information, please contact Ascot Systems, Woods Way, Worthing,Sussex BN12 4QY. Tel: 01903 503041; Fax: 01904 507250; E-mail: sales@ascot-systems.co.uk