Commissioner: Homer Bryson

Director of Public Affairs: Joan Heath

More Than 31,000 Devices Distributed With New Education Application

FORSYTH, Ga. – Commissioner Homer Bryson announced today, more than 31,000 Georgia Offender Alternative Learning (GOAL) devices have been distributed to the Georgia offender population statewide, marking the culmination of a commitment, which began in Fall 2015, to provide a resource that allows for more access to educational opportunities and enhancement of family communications.  These ruggedized tablets represent 50% of GOAL devices issued throughout the country, and are specifically customized to allow the offender population to access educational materials 24/7, regardless of location within the facility.

“We are excited about the educational opportunities offered through these devices,” said Commissioner Homer Bryson.  “Through the support and willingness of community partners, we are able to provide tools that are extremely beneficial to an offender’s successful reentry into society.”

Each GOAL device has been equipped with the Lantern Application, a self-paced educational program, which increases education in a limited classroom setting by allowing offenders to remotely attend courses through their device. Course content, assignments, quizzes, grades and notes are uploaded to the server by an instructor and downloaded by the offenders through a secured kiosk. Offenders then complete their coursework and submit for grading through the kiosk. Goodwill Community Foundation has provided several courses at no charge to the Georgia Department of Corrections through the Lantern Application, including courses on computer basics, interviewing skills, and basic grammar and math.

Additionally, teachers within the facilities are working to develop coursework that aligns with existing educational programs such as Adult Literacy and Adult Basic Educations.  The education team plans to work with our partners to provide content in all departmental programming, with additional plans to expand into vocational and college coursework.

Rather than utilizing traditional internet access, GOAL devices provide access to educational materials through a kiosk. These kiosks also allow offenders the ability to send and receive secure emails as well as have video visitation with their families.

The GDC has one of the largest prison systems in the U.S. and is responsible for supervising nearly 52,000 state prisoners.  It is the largest law enforcement agency in the state with approximately 10,500 employees.

For more information on the GDC call 478-992-5248 or visit https://gdc.georgia.gov.