new course - Introduction to Technology for Human Rights

[italianwi...@gmail.com]

Hello,
 
I'm writing with some information that may be of interest to U of T HFOSS
members. My organization, the Sentinel
Project<http://www.thesentinelproject.org>,
has just launched an online course called Introduction to Technology for
Human Rights <https://sentinelproject.herokuapp.com/course>, which begins
on June 10. It has been designed with activists, scholars, human rights
defenders, development professionals, and journalists in mind. The course
is also all-online and modestly priced so that it can be accessible to as
many people as possible regardless of location and finances. It covers
fundamental principles for incorporating technology into human rights or
other campaigns and is introductory in nature so no specific technical
skills are required - everyone is welcome.
 
Would it be possible for you to help us spread the word? It would also be
great if you have any suggestions for other mailing lists or organizations
where you think there might be interested people. There are more details
below this message and on the course webpage.
 
We really appreciate any help, so thanks!
 
- Chris
 
-- 
CHRISTOPHER TUCKWOOD | Executive Director
ch...@thesentinelproject.org | +1 (647) 222-8821
 
The Sentinel Project for Genocide Prevention
www.thesentinelproject.org
 
----------
 
*Technology is changing the nature of human rights*
 
The Sentinel Project is excited to offer the brand new course Introduction
to Technology for Human
Rights<https://sentinelproject.herokuapp.com/course>running for five
weeks from 10 June to 14 July 2013. Participants will
learn about the relationship between technological tools and human rights
through a combination of theory, principles, and real-world case studies
from Kenya, Iran, and the Arab Spring. This will leave them equipped with
the knowledge needed to incorporate technology into their own campaigns.
 
Activists are constantly adapting to use technology in new ways as it
continually impacts the struggle to defend human rights worldwide. As
mobile phone usage and internet access continue to rapidly increase, even
in less-developed countries, technology has become an essential part of the
landscape, influencing both the economy and civil society.
 
*Who should take this course?*
 
The ability to use new tools to their full potential while also recognizing
their limitations and inherent risks has become essential for human rights
defenders everywhere. From crisis mapping to social media to satellite
imagery, people working in fields like human rights, international
development, and journalism need to understand the opportunities and
adversities they face when using technology to promote change.
 
*Topics*
 
- Week 1 – Introduction, History, and Principles
- Week 2 – The Mobile Revolution and Sub-Saharan Africa
- Week 3 – Mobilization, Citizen Journalism, and the Iran Election 2009
- Week 4 – Social Media, Mobile Apps, and the Arab Spring
- Week 5 – On the Horizon: The Future of Technology for Human Rights
 
For more details and to register, visit:
https://sentinelproject.herokuapp.com/course
 
*Format*
 
Course content is delivered through a combination of audio lectures,
slides, videos, readings, small projects, and live video discussions held
through Google+ Hangout. Everything has been structured to accommodate
participants with varying work schedules and across different time zones.