Use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) for Human
Rights Work
http://www.hrea.org/courses/3E.html
3 June-4 August 2002

HREA is offering a new distance learning course on the use of information
and communication technologies (ICTs) for human rights work. This is a
dynamic new field where success is dependent upon skill development and
practical experience. Participants will be introduced to proven methods of
using ICTs (mainly the Internet) to promote their human rights work.
Students will become equipped with the knowledge and tools to more
effectively design and implement listservs, web sites, databases or
multi-media for advocacy campaigns, training and information management.

This course involves 40 hours of reading, on-line working groups,
interaction with students and instructor/facilitator and assignments, and is
offered over a two-month period, beginning on 3 June 2002. E-mail will be
the main medium for the course, although participants will need to have
periodic access to the Web. The course is based on a participatory, active
learning approach, with an emphasis on peer-to-peer learning.

Participants are expected to come to the course with ideas about how their
organisation can integrate or further develop the use of ICTs within the
organisation. Participants will do the required reading, prepare interim and
final assignments and participate group discussions. In addition to the
facilitation by Frank Elbers, there will be presentations by representatives
of international and national human rights organisations who have
innovatively used ICTs. Participants will receive a Certificate of
Attendance upon completion of the course.

Course outline

Week 1. Introduction of participants, logistics and familiarising with
course technology
Week 2. Assessment of use of ICTs in participants' organisations (for
information management, research, information dissemination, outreach,
advocacy, education & training)
Week 3. Assessment of use of ICTs in participants' organisations (continued)
Week 4. ICTs and policy issues (e.g. copyright, intellectual property,
privacy, freedom of speech, right to information)
Week 5. New emerging technologies (e.g. XML, HTML e-mail, peer-to-peer
technologies)
Week 6. Software and hardware issues
Week 7. The power of listserv technology
Week 8. Using the WWW more effectively
Week 9. Designing an ICT development plan

Course instructor is Frank Elbers, Deputy Director of HREA.

Level: professional

Location: Internet

Participants: The course is intended for staff members of human rights and
social justice organisations who are responsible for information and
communication (e.g. information officers, webmasters/webweavers) (maximum of
25 participants).

Tuition, fee, lodging: Tuition fee is USD 350. Deadline of application is 31
May 2002. Further information on the course and applications forms see
http://www.hrea.org/courses/3E.html

Contact Information:
Frank Elbers, Course Director
Human Rights Education Associates (HREA)
P.O. Box 382396
Cambridge, MA
USA
Fax: +1 (617) 249-0278
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: http://www.hrea.org