Authors:
Johannes Badejo
;
Joyram Chakraborty
and
Mia Forbes
Affiliation:
Department of Computer and Information Science, Towson University, Towson, MD, U.S.A.
Keyword(s):
Digital Inclusion, Technology Barriers, Recidivism, Formerly Incarcerated Population, Digital Training.
Abstract:
Digital inclusion and technological barriers are two phenomena that directly impact the lives of the formerly incarcerated population (FIP). Adequate access means reducing the high recidivism rates already being handled through the digitization of prison education. The digitization programs offer digital skills and technical skills that can be a handful in helping the ex-offenders secure employment. On the other hand, inadequate access to digital literacy is common among ex-offenders, as most prisons are yet to offer digital education entirely. Championed with the desire to improve the lives of the FIP, this study interviews 71 participants to understand the barriers they face in adapting and accessing technology. The findings indicate that the FIP benefiting from digital inclusion has the upper hand in securing employment and reintegrating well over those hindered by technological barriers. Limited internet connectivity, inadequate financial resources to afford technology devices, l
imited availability of internet access points (APs), and legal restrictions are majorly reported by the 71 participants. Going by the need to improve the FIP experience, this study found that the population must undergo digital training as part of the re-entry programs.
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