Using simulations to build essential digital skills in prison learning
NOVUS
This project evaluates the use of simulations to support learners in developing digital skills in practical contexts previously excluded in prisons, for example, performing online transactions, accessing social media. It also considers how prisoners with digital design skills can be involved as ‘learner-designers’ in the production of simulation prototypes.
You can download a PDF of this report on the Excellence Gateway (link pending).
Rationale
Simulation is often used in education and training when access to the ‘real thing’ is not
possible or involves risk, for example, pilot training in aviation (Masson, 2021). We were keen to explore the potential of using digital simulations for Essential Digital Skills (EDS) delivery in the Prison Education Framework (PEF) context where public protection is a priority. Simulations can provide a safer, more accessible and richer learning experience and can also be more cost effective as they can be accessed on-demand, at the learner’s convenience. We wanted to find out whether these potential benefits could be enjoyed by learners and staff on prison education programmes.
Other Contextual Information
Novus had already developed a concept resource to simulate the functions of a smartphone which this project used a starting point of our research activity. We planned to test this smartphone simulator with learners as the first stage of our research into the use of simulations.
A Padlet board was used to collect and collate evidence from the project including screenshots of simulations designed, tutor, officer and learner feedback, research methodology details and potential next steps.
Approach
Phase 1:
We identified areas of the Essential Digital Skills (EDS) qualifications that prison learners find challenging (e.g., online transactions) and reviewed our past experience in using digital simulations and in involving learners in collaborating on their designing simulations.
Phase 2:
We met with the design team at the Digital Creation Centre to identify which simulators would be most valuable for learners and to plan the first steps in the design process. We created a feedback form for use with learners, colleagues and digital learning specialists who piloted the existing smartphone simulator. We also carried out research into how simulations can be made for enhancing digital skills development in the prison context.
Phase 3:
We piloted the smartphone simulator and gathered feedback from learners and officers and, with a view to planning for sustainability, we used the findings to begin to form ideas about the possibilities of creating this type of content by expanding the extent of our collaboration with HMPPS. The response was very positive – “It’s had a really good response! Particularly with learners who aren’t quite confident with tech etc. Comments such as, ‘I didn’t know you could do that,’ would come from learners who didn’t know that you could perhaps use your phone to tap and pay in the same way as you would with a debit card.” “When I first was introduced to the simulator… it inspired me to try and create my own interactive resources using PowerPoint I have since made a mock-up of a Twitter feed and this is a regular template I use to deliver lesson content.”
Phase 4:
The CCCs were given ideas for possible simulation development including a Zoom interface, a conference call, a Trip Advisor rating site, a My Builder interface.
Design work was begun on prototypes. See below for examples:
An email client simulator
A photo filter application of the smartphone simulator
A video call simulator
An online transaction simulator
And extensions of the original smartphone simulator to include web browsing
…and online banking and payment options.
However, it proved difficult to be able to transfer simulations from the CCCs due to the low bandwidth on site. This meant further feedback from learners was limited to the original smartphone simulator.
In light of this bandwidth issue we decided to utilise the CCCs in a different way, developing another questionnaire based on Brookfield’s 4 lens reflective model (OCSLD) (2013) to gather feedback from learners and staff about their role in the design of the simulations.
Phase 5:
We began to extend our professional network and signed up to present a session at a Digital Sprint CPD conference hosted by the LTE Group,
We also took part in a dedicated Twitter chat as part of a weekly #ukfechat. Our topic was simulation use and digital skills learning in prison:
Outcomes and Impact
Teaching, Learning and Assessment
The feedback from both learners and tutors on their experience of using the smart phone simulator was very positive and encouraged us to continue to plan to develop similar resources. You can read feedback comments from learners in the image on the right.
Tutors were equally delighted by the impact it had on learners. One tutor (see Appendix 2) completed our first Digital Literacies lockdown CPD programme and introduced the iPhone simulator into her sessions once she returned to face-to-face delivery. She said the learners were ‘amazed’ by the interactive phone. One learner who has been in prison for 18 years ‘had never seen anything like it!’
Another tutor agreed that the phone simulator would be ideal for learners to use as an introduction to phone technology, especially for any learners who have not had a smartphone. They also suggested that other simulations could be created with Facebook, WhatsApp and other platforms being careful with the content that is showcased.
An officer supervising these learners commented that simulations allowed them to experience the hands-on experience of digital tools for the first time. She added that participating in a discussion around smartphone use was really useful to allow learners to understand how digital tools now inform so much of our personal and working lives e.g., shopping travel, paying bills, seeing a doctor, staying in touch with family.
Organisational Development
We have benefited greatly from regular meetings with our colleagues working on two other OTLA research projects (2b and 2c) as we have been able to discuss the key features of simulations as teaching and learning resources whether they are paper-based or electronic. We intend to continue develop these links with staff in different vocational areas.
In particular, our project activities with colleagues in our Content Creation Centres have provided us with opportunities to provide further advice and guidance on simulator design and the use of simulations around the prison estate (and further afield). This will assist in the modernising of the e learning available to prisoners on the Virtual Campus 2 platform or in other institutions.
Ideally, we would aim for each studio to be working together as one department so we can utilise the strong members of the teams. We still have some system and bandwidth restrictions but the team are looking into resolving those issues and there is the ability to share assets and work across the centres through MS teams.
Learning from this project
Input from prisoners using the phone simulators was very valuable in helping to determine the ideal target audience for these tools. We now know that older prisoners serving longer sentences greatly appreciate exposure to tools and interfaces which are entirely new to them. Younger learners recently in prison are already aware of mobile technologies and how to use them so find them less engaging and valuable.
Tutors who introduced the simulators in their lessons reported how the activities provided opportunities for learners to acquire not only the skills involved in using the device but to develop their understanding of key vocabulary associated with the everyday tasks in shopping, travel, banking, use of social media e.g. download, upload, tweet, Bluetooth.
Findings from our own project together with discussions with colleagues on our two other OTLA projects also confirmed for us some of the key features of effective simulations whether they are paper-based templates, PowerPoint slides or electronic interactive software.
Authenticity, use of colour, accessible and simplified layout are important.
For example, after seeing how engaged learners were in using the electronic smartphone simulator one tutor was inspired to create a Twitter feed template in PowerPoint that she now uses to present an overview of her lessons.
We have also learned much more about the potential of our Content Creation Centres to involve learners in creating or modernising courses by making them more engaging and interactive to the target audience. We need to balance the number of people working on projects with those who are being trained on the software.
Once we have a pool of skilled personnel, we can customise the teams as required for the intended project. This will allow prisoners performing design work to work with real clients on realistic industry projects giving them valuable, authentic work experience as designers.
Professional Development
Using the ETF’s Professional Standards for teachers and trainers. Please note, this report refers to the 2014-2022 standards.
Acknowledgements
This project was carried out (and report written) by Claire Holland (Project Lead) and Steve Grix (Project Deputy).
With thanks to their mentor Lynne Taylerson and Research Group Lead Bob Read, for their support.
Appendices
References
Gibson, D. (2009) Digital Simulations for Improving Education: Learning Through Artificial Teaching Environments. London: ISR
Masson, M. (2021). Use and Benefits of Simulators. EASA Community. [online] EASA Community. Available at: https://www.easa.europa.eu/community/topics/use-and-benefits-simulators [Accessed 12 October 2021].
Oxford Centre for Staff and Learning Development (OCSLD) (2013) Brookfield’s lenses [online] Available from: https://radar.brookes.ac.uk/radar/items/8dfa1c7d-d4ca-457b-b52c-9568cfd8d867/1/?attachment.uuid=2c1b0701-3ea1-43eb-b5af-206c7741a70d&attachment.stream=true Accessed on 25/02/2022.
Skills for Life (2021) Essential Skills – digital. Skills for Life. Available at: https://skillsforlife.campaign.gov.uk/courses/essential-skills-digital/ [Accessed 16 October 2021].
West, S. (2021). How to use digital simulations to prepare students for future careers. Times Educational Supplement. Available at: https://www.timeshighereducation.com/campus/how-use-digital-simulations-prepare-students-future-careers [Accessed 12 October 2021].