Innovation and frustration go hand in hand: reflections on a project to enhancing the learning experiences of students within prison walls

摘要: Higher Education is being challenged to change and grow like never before in response a new cohort of connected, self-motivated, well-informed savvy generation students. The drive develop innovative methods for teaching online distance education students accompanied by roller coaster ride through uncharted loops tunnels. This poster presents graphical account the frustrations, challenges small successes experienced at various points road during development implementation an solution enhancing educational experiences incarcerated Incarcerated offenders face number additional those faced most other studying distance. Lack internet access especially problematic sector that increasingly characterised course offerings. In July 2011 authors formally embarked on project some barriers participation HE involved collaboration between departments within university with external stakeholders including Queensland Correctional Services. The original aim was version Moodle, called Stand-Alone Moodle or SAM would function network computers used from inside prison were independent separated main computer network. provide same learning experience study desk functionality available use also be supported eBook readers. inclusion readers aimed enable more reference materials than presently them as well alleviate need print future. deployed will Semester 1 2012 maximum fifteen enrolled TPP7120 Studying Succeed part Tertiary Preparation Program Southern Centre near Gatton. It early approval application procedure began worry they had bitten off could chew. first requirement e-Readers not allowed have any such Wi-Fi 3G capability, no SD card slot battery. We eventually found 17 models very unpopular discontinued Sony SD-350. One reviewer website commented, who ever want e-reader without slots. Well, we do! offers glimpse these retrospectively amusing bumps discuss ways which future innovation pioneers may able overcome quick sand pits along way.