Saturday, September 18, 1999

Computers help inmates learn

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BY DAVID ECK
Enquirer Contributor

Warren County Jail inmate David Mullins explains to Sheriff Tom Ariss the benefits of being able to study for his GED on a jail computer. Cpl. Cheryl Chamberlain, left, organized the program. (Michael Snyder photo) | ZOOM |

        LEBANON - A month ago, Crystal Lowery of South Lebanon had never touched a computer and couldn't even turn on the machine. This week, studying for her General Educational Development diploma test, she was whipping through computer screens like a pro.

        “I'm more comfortable with it,” she said. “It's not all that complicated.”

        The computers are older, and her classroom is not typical: It's in the Warren County Jail. But Ms. Lowery, 21, said the machines are helping inmates prepare for the GED test, or upgrade their skills.

        The computers went online about three weeks ago, the brainchild of Cpl. Cheryl Chamberlain, the jail's services coordinator.

        The four machines supplement the jail's traditional GED lectures and classwork. Self-guided computer programs allow inmates to assess and expand their abilities.

        “It's really great,” Ms. Lowery said. “My main (thrust) when I came here was finding out my weaknesses.”

        The computers, which have no Internet access, are retired from jail offices. Software was purchased with profits from the inmate commissary.

        “They were headed for the sheriff's sale, but they're not Y2K compliant,” said Cpl. Chamberlain, a self-taught computer user. “They're no longer suitable for our purposes. It doesn't cost taxpayers any money.”

        She hopes to expand by installing outdated, donated machines in each of the jail's living pods. Other goals include making the jail a GED test site.

       

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