Prisoners could be encouraged to embrace learning and move on from crime thanks to a new AI innovation designed to transform education for inmates

Education company Coracle has secured backing from Innovate UK to fund a new partnership with the University of Hertfordshire to create an AI system that will support prison education.

The ‘AI cellmate’ will understand a prisoner’s learning needs, styles and habits and tailor its output in real time to guide them on the path to learning.

Coracle, led by James Tweed, already provides prisoners in 91 institutions with access to education via specially designed offline Chromebooks, pre-loaded with courses within a secure learning platform.

Its service helps prisoners access courses from The Open University, Prisoners’ Education Trust and a range of vocational programmes.

James Tweed, founder and CEO of Coracle, said prisoners pose significant challenges for educators but also present a unique opportunity to improve education for all.

“Prisoners are one of the most challenging groups when it comes to education. Many had poor experiences at school, and a very high proportion were excluded. There is also a disproportionately high number with dyslexia, ADHD, or some other form of neurodiversity,” said Tweed.

“This AI system will adapt to the individual’s needs and learning style. Even though they are learning offline, the AI will understand how the user wants to learn, recognise their progress and anything they’re struggling with as it occurs, and tailor its approach accordingly."

“It will get to know them as a learner and could indeed be a very helpful cellmate."

“We believe that, if we can get this right for prisoners, the impact on their future outcomes could be huge. If we can increase engagement in learning with inmates, then we can certainly expect a fall in reoffending.”

The new AI-powered platform will initially be launched in prisons, but Tweed believes its potential extends far beyond the criminal justice system.

“I think it is very possible that in the future, we’ll all be learning from AI-powered systems tailored to our needs and preferences. But if we can make this work in a prison - and I believe we can - then it can work almost anywhere.”

Coracle has entered into a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) with the University of Hertfordshire, which involves working with a PhD student to develop the programme.

Tweed emphasised the importance of using AI for positive change, particularly in addressing reoffending rates and improving prisoner rehabilitation.

“I think we all want to see AI used for good. For me, reducing reoffending and combating educational failure is at the top of my list.

“There’s a danger that while we on the outside are embracing AI and digital technologies, those in prisons will be left so far behind they might never be able to rejoin society.”