Ensuring Educational Technology Access for Incarcerated Students

Abstract

Increased access to Pell college funding for incarcerated students has driven an educational technology (ed tech) gold rush. This memo identifies barriers to providing high quality education to incarcerated students, highlighting the lack of access to technology, the increase in online instruction, and the predatory practices by technology companies. It also provides recommendations for educational programs that prioritize the best interests of incarcerated students and their families, ensuring their educational opportunities are equal to those available to non-incarcerated students.

This memo is based on the research in Educational Technologies for Incarcerated Students: Challenges and Recommendations by Mandy Mitchell. https://stpp.fordschool.umich.edu/research/white-paper/educational-technologies-incarcerated-students-challenges-and-recommendations