Seeing is Believing focuses on the use of digital technology to address human rights issues. The site also raises some very important questions about use of digital video for this purpose – such as whether cameras help or worsen the dangers for those involved. The website is built around a documentary movie entitled “Seeing is believing: Handicams human rights and the news”. The site includes an e-zine for teachers that is organized into 4 thematic modules: the film (Seeing is Believeing); impact of digital technologies on democracy; use of digital technologies by indigenous groups; and controversies around ethics and bias in the use of digital technologies.
The modules align with the curriculum for grades 10-12 in several courses, including environmental studies, and aboriginal studies. The site’s focus is on video advocacy for human rights, but this links closely use of digital technologies to advocate cultural and ecological awareness, connections with the land. The third module on indigenous cultures provides an interesting discussion and activities for students about the two-way street and the issues of give and take of technology.
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