San Quentin students in Mount Tamalpias College (MTC) classes gained access to new Dell laptops earlier this year, and they are getting work done more efficiently since the introduction of the computers. Mt. Tam students and staff see the program as a success so far.
“This was a long time coming. We have always wanted our students to have access to the same technology as other college students. As we expand our use of laptops, we hope this will better prepare students for school and work on the outside,” said Research and Program Fellow Kirsten Pickering, who helped start the Computer Lab.
Mt. Tam has recently established its own accreditation and is officially standing on its own as the only full-time college on prison grounds in the nation. Access to modern technology couldn’t have come at a better time.
“We first started to advocate for student computer use in 2019, before the pandemic. It has taken a long time, but we are so happy to see students typing and printing their assignments,” said Pickering.
The college’s students now feel that they can keep up with the outside world. “These laptops bring me up to date with modern society and I don’t feel left behind,” said student Terry Kitchen.
Computers have long been an essential part of college education. And though it’s not a competition, the equipment makes it possible for Mt. Tam to stay abreast of their counterparts outside the prison’s walls.
“Most colleges have computers for their students to use, so if we are offering real college degrees we need to also be able to say that we offer computer courses,” said Amy Jamgorchain, the college coordinator. “It’s easier for faculty and students. Research shows that it’s better for students to have them in school. Some jobs of today require computer skills; it’s not just about the education.”
Some students are seasoned veterans of computer use. Others don’t know how to turn a computer on. “It’s amazing for me to show them how to use a computer,” SQ resident Quincy Paige said. Paige has 13 years of computer experience that he learned in school on the outside. “One guy came in who didn’t know how to use a computer. He kept coming and he eventually advanced. To see him progress was gratifying to me.”
Amy Brunson, the new MTC director of IT and library services, is impressed with the experience some of the students already have with computers. She said she learned something new herself about Microsoft Word within 15 minutes of beginning her duties. She witnessed one student help another set up a password and she noticed positive interactions in the classroom.
“Two main aspects of my job are expanding student access to technology and building up our library services,” said Brunson. “I came in at an exciting time, with this new computer lab. I’m looking forward to assisting the students as they learn this new technology skills, whether they are brand new to computers or experienced users.”
San Quentin resident C. Davis has been incarcerated for 47 years. A student of Mt. Tam for more than five years, he is three courses away from obtaining his Associates Degree. He is an experienced computer user. However, this is his first time using a laptop.
“As a teacher’s assistant, I learned how to use a computer at another prison,” said Davis. “I was using the more bulky one then though. Using this laptop will make doing my homework much easier. Also, it will make me more ready for society.”
Students have access to the computers five days per week. They check the computers out for one hour with personal passcodes. Several teachers’ aides help Mt. Tam faculty assist the students. Anila Yadavalli, STEM coordinator for Mt Tam, is part of the team.
“This is historic and long overdue,” said Yadavalli. “Exposing students to computer skills and computer literacy is great.”
