2014-2015

Award Winner:

Brian Walsh

Associate Dean of Basic Skills and Corrections

Innovation in Prison Classrooms

First, why is this important?

Because 97% of those who are incarcerated today, are returning to their – and your – communities. Of 100 returning former inmates, 43 will commit crimes and return to prison. If they have participated in any educational program while they were in prison, that number drops to 30.

That’s 13 fewer crime victims; 13 fewer crimes. Save the cost of 13 trials. Save the cost of feeding and housing 13 people, year after year, in institutions. That’s 13 fewer families that are torn apart as their loved ones are incarcerated.

Education in prison saves money and, literally, saves lives. And, Brian Walsh is a leader in education for students who are incarcerated.

Now, for the connection to technology and eLearning - envision “Internet in a Box.” This is an innovation implemented at the prison Brian works with, which is not yet available to students at other prisons in the state. Without access to the actual internet (that is, without any online security issues) students who are incarcerated can access the same kind of resources other students may access: Khan Academy, an edited version of Wikipedia, same Learning Management System as other CC colleges – just like other CC students at other campuses.

Another example of Brian’s resourcefulness and creativity is an iPad is loaded with Open Educational Resources so, when a two-week lockdown happens (as does happen in a prison) education doesn’t shut down for two weeks.

Students in Brian’s classrooms have access to specific course-related podcasts, TED talks, videos to enrich their learning. Students are also able to learn high-level computer programming through an innovative game design program.

See the articles below, for further evidence of Brian’s innovation, commitment and leadership, both in Washington State, nationally and internationally.

Brian Walsh to present in Brussels, Belgium

Submitted by admin on Mon, 2014-10-27 15:19

Brian Walsh, Associate Dean of Basic Skills and Corrections at Peninsula College, has been invited to present at the "Adult Learners in Digital Learning Environments" workshop to be held November 6 in Brussels, Belgium.

Early this year, the European Commission launched a study to look at how adult learners use digital tools for learning. The November workshop is part of that study, which is being carried out by Ecorys and Bertlesmann within a Service Contract with the European Commission.

Walsh will talk about Good Practice examples of how Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Open Educational Resources (OERs) are used in adult learning contexts in the United States. Peninsula College has been a leader in using OERs to improve the quality of adult basic education while reducing the cost to taxpayers and students. Open educational resources are high quality textbooks, web resources and software that teachers and students can use, share and remix for free or very low-cost.

His two co-presenters, subject experts from the United Kingdom and Spain, will explore the same theme from their own country’s perspective. Workshop participants also will examine the findings and recommendations of the study, discuss them based on their own expertise and experience, and share personal experiences involving the use of ICT and OERs in adult learning.

The use of ICT-enhanced learning to improve participation in adult learning is underpinned by a strong policy rationale at the European level. Both the Renewed Adult Learning Agenda and the Opening Up Europe communication proposes actions towards more innovative and open learning environments to deliver education of higher quality.

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White House Honors Brian Walsh of Peninsula College

Submitted by admin on Wed, 2013-11-20 08:14

On Thursday, November 21st, the White House will honor Brian Walsh as one of 10 local heroes who are “Champions of Change.” The event will celebrate educators who are taking creative approaches in using technology to enhance learning for students in communities across the country.

Brian Walsh leads the offender education program for Peninsula College at two state prisons in the northwest corner of Washington State’s Olympic Peninsula. Brian believes that by providing quality college education, offenders will be less likely to return to prison and be better prepared to care for themselves and their families. As Education Director for Clallam Bay and Olympic Corrections Centers, Brian started the first prison-based Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training (IBEST) program, a nationally recognized curriculum for adult education in Washington State. He began five new vocational programs including: Sustainable Horticulture, Artisan Baking, Small Business and Entrepreneurship, Green Building, and Computer Programming and Game Development. He has led the effort to expand the use of technology in the prison classroom. Brian has worked to develop secure ways for faculty within prisons to deliver offenders the same technologically enhanced courses available to the public. Also, while raising three sons, Brian and his wife own and operate an independent school serving students pre-K through Grade 8. He received a Bachelor’s degree from Ripon College and, while serving as a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar, a Master’s degree from the University of Wales.

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