Course 3E06: Use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) for Human Rights Work - Advanced course
20 September-12 December 2006

Instructor: Frank Elbers

This e-learning course is intended for staff members of human rights and social justice NGOs and inter-governmental organisations who are responsible for information and communication (i.e. information officers, web editors, webmasters/webweavers, communication specialists) within their organisation. Information and communication technologies (ICTs) is a dynamic field where success is dependent upon skill development and practical experience. Participants will be introduced to proven methods of using ICTs to promote their human rights work. They 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 60 hours of reading, on-line working groups, interaction with students and instructor and assignments, and is offered over a three-month period, beginning on 20 September 2006. 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 in group discussions. Participants will receive a Certificate of Participation upon successful completion of the course. The maximum number of participants is 25.

Course outline

Week 1: Using ICTs - Special Considerations for Human Rights Work
Week 2: Research & Documentation
Week 3: Outreach and Information Dissemination
Week 4: Advocacy and Campaigning
Week 5: Open week
Week 6: Information Management
Week 7: On-line Collaboration
Week 8: On-line and Distance Learning
Week 9: Assessment of use of ICTs in participants' organisations
Week 10: Open week
Week 11: Peer-review of project(s) developed during the course
Week 12: Peer-review of project(s) developed during the course

About the instructor

Frank Elbers is Deputy Director of Human Rights Education Associates (HREA) and coordinates HREA's Distance Learning Programme. He has been responsible since 1998 for the implementation of HREA's web site and its on-line Resource Centre and Learning Centre. Before joining HREA, the instructor worked for the Anne Frank Foundation (the Netherlands), the Netherlands Helsinki Committee and SATELLIFE, an international development organisation that promotes the use of ICTs by health professionals in developing countries. Mr. Elbers has conducted ICT trainings and workshops around the world, including for Education Development Center and UNESCO. He is moderator of the HURIDOCS-Tech listserv on the use of new technologies for human rights work and has facilitated various on-line working groups for the United Nations Development Fund for Women's (UNIFEM) on women's human rights.

Who should apply

The course is intended for staff members of human rights/social justice organisations, NGOs, inter-governmental organisations who are responsible for information and communication policy/programmes. Candidates should have a good written command of English and have high competence and comfort with computer and Internet use. Please be aware that this is an advanced course; an introductory course on using the Internet for human rights work (Course 7E) is offered periodically.

Costs

The course tuition fee is 525 €. A limited number of scholarships is available for this course for applicants from Africa, Middle East, Asia, Eastern Europe/Newly Independent States and Latin American/Caribbean, based on financial need.

Application

The deadline for applications was 15 August 2006. We are no longer accepting applications.

Inquiries about the course can be sent to applications@hrea.org.