The contributions of digital communications technology to human rights education: A case study of Amnesty International

This dissertation addresses the need for critical assessment and evaluation of human rights education (HRE) programs and activities, especially newer initiatives that incorporate the use of digital information and communications technology (ICT). It provides an in-depth case study of the use of digital ICT in Amnesty International's HRE efforts, addressing the following question: How can new digital communication tools effectively facilitate human rights education and contribute to the development of a human rights culture?;The dissertation measures current uses of digital ICT for HRE by the members of Amnesty International's Human Rights Education Network against the success criteria identified in the World Programme for Human Rights Education (WPHRE): a) advancement of knowledge and skills, b) development of corresponding values, attitudes and behaviors, and c) demonstration of identifiable action that defends and promotes human rights. Research fieldwork for this project was conducted from Amnesty International's International Secretariat in London. Data sources included questionnaire responses from Amnesty representatives in 29 countries; in-depth interviews with research participants from a variety of global regions, including an interview with the coordinator of RespectMyRights.org, the primary digital HRE tool examined in this study; field notes; organizational literature; and digital media.;The study's findings indicate that the major contribution of digital tools in Amnesty's HRE programs thus far has been developing learners' knowledge base--disseminating information, resources and materials, with less attention paid to cultivating attitudes, values and behaviors, or to creating ways for people to take meaningful action based upon their learning. A conclusion proposes that a more integrated approach to the use of digital ICT is needed to overcome this disproportionate focus on a single aspect of the World Programme.;Through an exploration of the opportunities and challenges of evolving communications technology for HRE, this research is intended to serve as a valuable resource for human rights practitioners worldwide. In the final chapter, twenty recommendations are presented that could assist those designing, coordinating, implementing and evaluating HRE programs, at Amnesty and beyond.