Satellite broadcast is an important part of distance learning for corrections and one major player is the Corrections Learning Network, which is supported by a Department of Education grant. The CLN Program Manager Anne Charles recently spoke with The Corrections Connection to provide an update of the network's activities.

Q: Can you talk about the growth of "distance learning" in relation to staff training and inmate education. Has the Corrections Learning Network seen growth in this area?

A: In March of 2003, the Corrections Learning Network increased broadcast hours to 55 hours per week -- 44 hours of offender academic broadcasts, and at least 11 hours per week of staff development.  In the 2003-2004 funding year,  CLN broadcast over 2000 hours of educational opportunities to the confined audience and over 600 hours of staff development.  Offender programs focus on everything from GED to life skills to transition from confinement.

Q: Are there more subscribers/participants?

A: Though originally planned to reach 200 sites in five years, CLN now works with 762 sites (both youth and adult) in 48 states (and six time zones).  While the staff enroll with their respective training agencies, CLN has seen offender enrollments (since June 15, 2003) reach over 135,000 in this year alone.
 
Q: What would you say are the challenges for corrections agencies in utilizing new technology to provide training/education?

A: Communication among staff is probably the biggest challenge.  The vision for the Corrections Learning Network has always been to provide programming for the entire correctional community.  For this to occur, correctional staff must communicate with educational staff and medical staff and vice-versa.  There is a great deal of programming available, bringing tremendous educational opportunities, for both staff and offenders.  Receiving the staff development is a real benefit, especially in times of significant budget cuts.  And when offenders are participating in courses, they're typically staying out of trouble.  Everybody wins.

Q: Can you describe the types of staff training courses offered by CLN? Do agencies tend to make use of them?

A: In the 2003 - 2004 funding year, CLN broadcast 637 hours of staff training. Each week, CLN offers at least 11 hours of staff training for corrections professionals. CLN has partnered with 26 agencies, both national and federal, to bring a varied slate of staff training to correctional facilities throughout the U.S..

The National Institute of Corrections, contracting with the production staff of Educational Service District 101 (CLN parent agency) and our satellite uplink capabilities, offers monthly "live," interactive
courses for corrections professionals and two  32-hour interactive staff training programs annually in continuing education.

Our regular Thursday staff development programming includes training on mental health issues, the latest medical information, including the Albany Medical Center's "HIV in Corrections" and Centers for Disease Control broadcasts. Additionally, CLN airs law enforcement, counter-drug education, juvenile justice,
emergency preparedness, risk management and government education programs via "live" and taped-delay satellite delivery.  CLN also provides suicide prevention training via CD and additional training on this topic is available online.
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Five years ago, CLN depended largely on itself to produce staff development broadcasts.  Today, CLN partners with more than 26 national and federal agencies. These agencies are frequently producing programs themselves, but seeking ways to reach larger corrections-based audiences. CLN is able to broadcast this training to over 750 sites  via a digital KU-Band signal, and unlimited access via C-Band.

Q: Is it even more vital for agencies to utilize these technologies when their training budgets are being trimmed?

A: Absolutely.  Installation and equipment costs to gain access to CLN programming can be offset by travel costs to just one out-of-state conference.  As training budgets become tighter, CLN is there continuing to provide very important staff training opportunities.

For more information about the Corrections Learning Network, visit the website at: http://cln.esd101.net/