Exploring Accessibility and Sustainability of Prison Education Through the Supervision of Students in Distance E-Learning

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to explore the accessibility and sustainability of prison education through the supervision of students in distance e-learning. The method involved qualitative interviews with 12 prison students in a Namibian prison who were registered and actively studying via distance e-learning. Participants were selected based on their engagement with distance education programs, ensuring relevance to the study's focus. A professional transcriber meticulously transcribed the interview data verbatim. Using an interpretive paradigm, the author analyzed the transcriptions to derive meaningful insights into the experiences and challenges faced by incarcerated students. This approach allowed for a nuanced understanding of how supervisory support in distance e-learning impacts the accessibility and sustainability of educational opportunities for prison students. The findings underscore the importance of effective supervision in overcoming barriers to education within the prison context, highlighting critical factors that contribute to successful learning outcomes.