Department of Educational Leadership and Management, College of Education, University of South, Preller Street, Muckeleneuk, South Africa
Online Published on 27 February, 2025.
The study aimed to explore deterrents faced by incarcerated individuals in distance e-learning. It recognized the unique challenges prisoners encounter in educational pursuits, crucial for effective program design in correctional facilities. Conducted in a Namibian prison, it adopted qualitative methods, employing interviews and thematic analysis. The findings contribute to Correctional Education Theory, enhancing comprehension of barriers like socio-economic, psychological, and institutional factors. Informing program development, it advocates for tailored initiatives facilitating prisoner education. Despite difficulties, the Namibian government’s support for distance e-learning showcases commitment to inmate rehabilitation. This research underscores the importance of addressing obstacles to foster education in carceral contexts.
Elements that deter students from studying using e-learning are:
⓿ Restricted access to e-learning resources during nighttime.
⓿ Insufficient access to necessary materials.
⓿ Low motivation levels.
⓿ Unclear delineation of roles between prisoner students and lecturers.
⓿ Financial constraints hindering program registration.
⓿ Internet and connectivity limitations.
⓿ Inadequate support from prison staff.
⓿ Lack of familial support.
⓿ Bureaucratic hurdles within correctional facilities.
Incarcerated, Opportunity, E-learning, Distance education
