Digital literacy will reduce recidivism in the long term

[Commentary] Offenders typically return to prison due to a variety of factors: most often, a lack of education, stable employment and housing, addiction, and other mental health issues. These factors often stack the odds against offenders once they have been released, making it far too easy to ultimately return to prison. This is where digital technology comes into play. In our increasingly connected world, developing digital literacy is quickly becoming essential, particularly when it comes to job seeking and researching community resources. However, ex-offenders are cut off from technological advances the day they are incarcerated.

Despite the importance of digital literacy, many correctional education programs do not provide students with Internet access. In a survey conducted by the Department of Education, 62 percent of correctional education programs did not have student access to the Internet, and only 38 percent had simulated access (meaning archived offline versions of websites). Aside from access, utilizing digital technology in correctional education also could allow corrections staff to collect better data on student progress and monitor their behavior. Additionally, digital learning might benefit offenders who have struggled in the past with traditional in-person teaching methods due to behavioral issues. Through digital literacy courses, offenders could learn how to utilize the Internet when looking for jobs, affordable housing, and support community.