ATLANTA - Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) Commissioner Homer Bryson recently announced the newest step in the agency’s educational programming for state prisoners with the distribution of Georgia Offender Alternative Learning (G.O.A.L.) devices. These devices are specially customized tablet computers that will allow inmates the ability to access educational materials 24/7, regardless of location within the facility; maintain and enhance family communications; and assist with their re-entry into society.
Arrendale State Prison in Alto is one of the institutions participating in the program.
“With Governor Nathan Deal’s focus on offender education through his Criminal Justice Reform efforts, the addition of the G.O.A.L. devices was an obvious next step,” Bryson said.. “In addition to offering continuous access to educational materials, we are now expanding options for offender communication with their families, which is very important to an offender’s reentry into society.”
The tablets will come pre-loaded with inmate handbooks as well as motivational books and educational materials specific to an offender’s case plan. They do not have internet access, however, additional educational content, provided by Khan Academy Lite, can be accessed by loading materials through a secure kiosk. These kiosks will also allow offenders the ability to send and receive secure emails through the kiosks as well as have video visits with their families.
Over the past few weeks,GDC has distributed 3,258 tablets to female offenders at Emanuel Women’s Facility, West Central Integrated Treatment Facility, Lee Arrendale State Prison, Pulaski State Prison, and Whitworth Women’s Facility. Male offenders are scheduled to start receiving them later this month. The first male facilities set to receive these devices are Walker, Lee, Macon and Montgomery state prisons.
Arrendale State Prison (Courtesy Ga. Dept. of Corrections)
http://accesswdun.com/article/2015/12/356116/inmates-at-alto-prison-among-those-with-new-education-tool