Female’s self-concept as online learners in the context of lifelong learning in prisons

ABSTRACT Adult education and training policies have supported inclusive practices for universal access to opportunities for the development of important lifelong learning (LL) skills. The implementation of these policies is especially relevant for socially vulnerable groups, including individuals who are incarcerated. Taking this situation as a reference, a study was developed to answer the questions: How do female adults who participated in an LL e-learning training course in prison perceive themselves as learners? What are the learners’ perceptions about the online learning training, framed in an LL context? Data collected through two questionnaires and a focus group revealed a history of academic failure and negative repercussions of incarceration on the self but also showed evidence of the ability to learn through technology and an effort towards self-improvement. The results indicate that the development of digital learning skills in prison may foster psychosocial development, which is crucial to perceiving a self with the ability for LL.