Inmates' attitudes to distance education whilst in prison in the kingdom of saudi arabia

This research explores inmates' attitudes to undertaking distance learning whilst in prison, and considers both the benefits and difficulties experienced by inmates as a result of their academic work .It is based on over 35 questionnaires completed by 100 inmates .The research was conducted in five prisons throughout the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in five different provinces .In addition to providing an in-depth account of the role that education can play during a prison sentence and beyond , it is intended that the experiences shared by these inmates will provide the basis for additional guidance and support for future distance learning among inmates .The data of this study show that inmates in general demonstrate positive attitudes towards using distance education whilst in incarceration .The remarkable finding was that the prisoners were motivated to engage in the computer and internet use to continue their academic studies whilst in prison and learn new skills to get a job upon release . This finding supports the possibility of the inmates' engagement in distance education courses offered in prison.