New online course: "Introduction to Technology for Human Rights"
Christopher Tuckwood
Hi everyone,
I'm new to the group but thought I would add some information that you may find interesting. My
organization, the Sentinel Project, has just launched an online course called Introduction to Technology for Human Rights,
which begins on June 10. It has been designed with activists, 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 anyone has suggestions for other mailing lists or
organizations where you think there might be interested
people. There is a fuller description of the course below as well.
We really appreciate any help, so thanks!
- Chris
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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 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.