Silliman University, through its program on fighting information disorder on social media, landed 72nd place in the 2024 World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI), under its social responsibility category, according to a press release from the university.
On its website, WURI discloses that the category “focuses on researching and educating ethics and integrity, rather than solely concentrating on knowledge and skills for academic success.” This is demonstrated through the provision of “curriculum and course content on social responsibility, ethics, and integrity; research projects or initiatives on social responsibility; commitment to ethical leadership and governance; support on ethical decision-making skills and a sense of social awareness; and ethical research and publication practices.”
Funded by the United Board for Christian Higher Education in Asia, SU’s program, “Development of an Open Courseware with Animation and Gamification on Fighting Information Disorder on Social Media,” developed a Moodle-based online courseware comprising six modules that tackle misinformation, networked disinformation, trolls, fact-checking processes, privacy management, and responsible social media usage.
Dr. Dave Marcial, director of the Global Studies Center (GSC) and the program’s champion, says that social media has affected people’s lives greatly, changing their lifestyle and the way they think and communicate.
The project aims to develop a Moodle-based asynchronous courseware with animations and gamification to fight information disorder on social media. Specifically, it aimed to develop an online courseware with approximately 54 hours of engagement time; a portable version of the courseware that can run even without internet connectivity; animated and interactive resources with multiple formats (audio, video, text) applying the concept of micro-learning; and gamified activities and assessments.
Offering the coursework to students in higher education, the program hopes to develop in them a sense of social concern and civic responsibility by becoming responsible digital citizens; to sharpen their critical and analytical thinking skills in spotting fake news through animations and an educational game application; and to provide them online and offline versions of the courseware, promoting their self-paced and self-directed learning.
The development of the program involved several faculty and staff of the university, serving in different capacities: module writers, instructional designers/multimedia developers, learning management system (LMS) designer, and project staff/virtual classroom assistants.
The module writers included Asst. Prof. Alfie Arcelo, faculty in-charge for Information, Quality, New Programs, GSC; Asst. Prof. Joy Dy, dean, College of Computer Studies; Asst. Prof. Janice Antoniette Forster, manager, Sinergy TBI; Fredlie Bucog, faculty in-charge of Training and Engagement, GSC; and Asst. Prof. Larry Vincent Regencia, coordinator, Business Analytics Program.
Among the instructional designers/multimedia developers were Aurielle Liza Maypa, faculty member, Senior High School (SHS); Jan Cynth Palama, faculty member, SHS; Cindy Ruth Villariza, secretary, GSC; Britney James Seraspe, online support, Silliman Journal; Grace Apao (office assistant, CBA); and Asst. Prof. Myla Jean Sardan, faculty member, Business Analytics Program.
Jade Montemayor designed the LMS while Steve Binarao, administrative staff, Dr. Lao ICI Laboratory, GSC; and Russel Rhay Basiao, manager for non-degree programs, GSC served as project staff/virtual classroom assistant.
The project is in line with the innovation and digital transformation thrust of SU President Dr. Betty Cernol McCann’s administration.
WURI
The WURI evaluates the actual contributions of educational institutions to industry and society and highlights innovative education, research, and engagement to society. Providing a comprehensive measure of institutions’ creative contributions to societal advancement, it encompasses 13 categories: student support and engagement; student mobility and openness; industrial application; entrepreneurial spirit; crisis management; social responsibility; generative AI application; support for global resilience; leadership; funding; infrastructure and technology; symbolism; and culture and values.
CHED ENDORSEMENT
The WURI is among the international rankings endorsed by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). It was discussed during the “Filipino Leaders in Advancing International Rankings (FLAIR) Masterclass in Region 7” on September 6-7, 2023, which was attended by Dr. Marcial; Dr. Warlito Caturay Jr., chief of Media and Public Affairs (formerly Office of Information and Publications); and Dr. Beulah Rose Torres, head of Office of Quality Instruction and Excellence (formerly Office of Instruction).
Through its International Affairs Service, CHED has been partnering with its regional offices to engage private and public higher education institutions in the discussion on the enhancement of university branding by increasing universities’ international academic reputation.*
