Written by: Dahlia D. Soriano (Program Chair, BSED) and Rendel Deen G. Ramos (Faculty)
In an era where social media shapes discourse and influences societal interactions, educators play a crucial role in guiding students toward responsible digital engagement. To address this challenge, a seminar titled “Navigating the Digital Divide: Promoting Peace Education in the Social Media Era” was held on February 15, 2025, at the Centennial Library. The event was designed specifically for faculty members handling the Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSED), Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEED), and Bachelor of Physical Education (BPED) programs.
The integration of peace education into the basic education curriculum has become increasingly relevant, especially in a digital landscape where misinformation, cyber conflicts, and digital inequalities persist. The seminar aimed to equip teacher-educators with the necessary knowledge and strategies to prepare pre-service teachers in fostering peace, both online and in physical learning environments. Through this faculty development program, educators were trained to leverage social media as a platform for critical thinking, responsible discourse, and peacebuilding.
The seminar featured Assistant Professor Jheson O. Dacanay from Universidad de Dagupan, a specialist in Peace Education. His presentation provided an in-depth look at the philosophical foundations of peace education and its alignment with global educational frameworks. The speaker emphasized the role of educators in fostering a culture of non-violence, respect, and social harmony. To showcase the effectiveness of peace education, the speaker presented research-based examples from both local and international perspectives, demonstrating how peace education initiatives have positively impacted students, communities, and institutions.
“I leave you with this challenge… As you return to your classrooms, think about how you can integrate peace education into the digital spaces your students already inhabit. By doing so, we are not just teaching—we are shaping a more just, informed, and peaceful society.”
– Assistant Professor Dacanay
The discussion also highlighted how Universidad de Dagupan has successfully integrated peace education across its programs. Faculty training, curriculum integration, and student-led initiatives were shared as exemplary models for fostering inclusive and peaceful learning environments.
Participants gained valuable insights into how they can seamlessly incorporate peace education into their teaching methodologies. Strategies included cross-disciplinary approaches, values-based instruction, classroom discussions on conflict resolution, and experiential learning activities.
The seminar encouraged active participation, with educators engaging in meaningful discussions and raising concerns about the challenges of implementing peace education. The interactive session allowed for the exchange of ideas and best practices among faculty members.
Assistant Professor Dacanay emphasized that, “The world is rapidly changing, and education must evolve alongside it. Our role as educators is not just to teach content but to guide students in becoming responsible digital citizens who can contribute to peacebuilding efforts. Social media can be a tool for harm, but with the right education, it can also be a force for good.”
The event concluded with a reflection on the vital role of educators in shaping responsible and compassionate future teachers. Assistant Professor Dacanay left attendees with a powerful message: “I leave you with this challenge… As you return to your classrooms, think about how you can integrate peace education into the digital spaces your students already inhabit. By doing so, we are not just teaching—we are shaping a more just, informed, and peaceful society.”
With renewed inspiration, educators departed with actionable strategies to integrate peace education into digital spaces, ensuring that their students become advocates for a more just, informed, and peaceful society.
