Seniors Learning Programme
Introduction to the Digital Dhamma
Course code TBC · 12 teaching weeks · English course information
Intake not yet announced. The syllabus below is indicative.
About this course
This 12-week course equips Buddhist volunteers and practitioners with practical skills for supporting Dhamma education and Buddhist organisations through modern technology.
The programme combines technical skills with Buddhist ethical principles and responsible digital communication.
Technology is treated as a tool in support of the Dhamma and Buddhist community rather than as a replacement for teachers, monastics, spiritual practice or human judgement.
Entry requirements
For Buddhist volunteers, practitioners and community members. No separate academic prerequisites are stated in the 2026 guide.
Learning outcomes
- Explain the role of digital technology in contemporary Dhammaduta work.
- Create appropriate digital content for Buddhist organisations.
- Support social media, websites, livestreams and online communities.
- Apply basic audio-visual production techniques.
- Understand basic IT administration, cloud systems and cybersecurity.
- Use artificial intelligence and automation responsibly.
- Apply Buddhist ethical principles, including Right Speech, to digital communication.
- Develop and present a practical Digital Dhamma project.
Indicative syllabus
No intake dates or deadlines have been set from this weekly outline.
- Week 1: The Role of Technology in Modern DhammaTopics include: * The development of Buddhist communication from oral traditions to digital platforms * Technology as a tool for Dhammaduta * Ethical considerations in digital Dhamma work * Understanding different digital audiences * Case studies of Buddhist digital initiatives in Malaysia and internationally
- Week 2: Digital Storytelling and Content CreationTopics include: * Storytelling in Buddhist communication * Social-media content for Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok * Writing captions, articles and video scripts * Introduction to visual communication * Creating posters and digital graphics using accessible design tools * Maintaining accuracy when simplifying Buddhist teachings for public audiences
- Week 3: Social Media Management for Buddhist OrganisationsTopics include: * Selecting suitable social-media platforms * Understanding the purpose and audience of each platform * Creating content calendars * Promoting Dhamma activities and community events * Community engagement * Responding to comments and feedback * Handling misinformation * Applying mindfulness and Right Speech online
- Week 4: Livestreaming and Hybrid Dhamma ActivitiesTopics include: * Cameras, microphones, lighting and basic production equipment * Facebook Live * YouTube Live * Zoom and hybrid-event platforms * Managing online and physical audiences simultaneously * Moderating questions and comments * Basic livestream troubleshooting * Preparing backup systems
- Week 5: Videography and Editing for Dhamma ContentTopics include: * Basic composition and framing * Recording Dhamma talks and Buddhist events * Capturing usable audio * Video-editing fundamentals * Introduction to tools such as CapCut and DaVinci Resolve * Subtitles and translations * Accessibility * Short-form content for Reels, Shorts and TikTok
- Week 6: IT Support for Buddhist OrganisationsTopics include: * Basic website administration * Managing mailing lists and databases * Cloud storage and document management * Google Drive and other collaborative platforms * File organisation and digital record keeping * Cybersecurity fundamentals * Account security and access control * Protecting organisational information * Planning reliable IT systems for Buddhist centres
- Week 7: Artificial Intelligence in Dhamma EducationTopics include: * Introduction to generative artificial intelligence * AI-supported transcription and translation * AI-assisted educational materials * Chatbots and frequently asked questions * Automation for administrative work * Verification and fact-checking * Hallucinations and misinformation * Bias and ethical concerns * Appropriate and inappropriate uses of AI in religious contexts * Why AI should not be treated as a substitute for qualified Buddhist teachers Students may participate in a practical demonstration involving an AI-assisted Buddhist educational resource.
- Week 8: Podcasting and Audio ContentTopics include: * Buddhist podcasts and audio programmes * Microphones and recording environments * Basic audio editing * Structuring Dhamma talks for audio * Interviews and discussions * Publishing audio content * Distribution and promotion * Accessibility through transcripts
- Week 9: Digital Buddhist Libraries and Online ResourcesTopics include: * Digitising Buddhist texts * Document scanning and OCR * Digital preservation * Creating accessible PDFs, ebooks and audio resources * Metadata and file organisation * Search engine optimisation * Helping users find trustworthy Dhamma resources * Examples of established digital Buddhist libraries and resources
- Week 10: Online Communities and Buddhist Cyber EthicsTopics include: * Managing online Buddhist groups and communities * Moderation * Community guidelines * Handling disagreement and conflict * Right Speech in digital environments * Sectarianism and respectful inter-tradition dialogue * Misinformation * Protecting vulnerable community members * Maintaining healthy boundaries between official and personal communication
- Week 11: Digital Fundraising and Community ProjectsTopics include: * Promoting charitable and Buddhist projects online * Transparency and accountability * Digital donation systems * Donation pages and QR payments * Ethical fundraising * Campaign planning * Storytelling for community projects * Providing clear information about the purpose and use of donations
- Week 12: The Future of Digital Dhamma and Final ProjectTopics include: * Emerging digital technologies * Artificial intelligence * Immersive and virtual experiences * Digital learning environments * Future methods of Buddhist communication * Responsible innovation * Maintaining human and spiritual dimensions of Buddhist communities * Continuing digital education Students present their final Digital Dhamma Project during the concluding session.
Assessment & attendance
At least 80% of scheduled classes; attendance 5% and participation 5%.
| Component | Weight |
|---|---|
| Weekly quizzes | 30% |
| Group project | 20% |
| Presentation | 10% |
| Final assessment | 30% |
| Attendance | 5% |
| Participation | 5% |
Read the source assessment arrangements
Assessment
Total: 100%
Weekly Quizzes — 30%
Twelve quizzes are conducted across the course.
Value: 2.5% each × 12 quizzes = 30%
Typical format:
* 5–10 multiple-choice questions
* One short-answer question
Quizzes cover the principal concepts from each week's lesson.
Unless otherwise announced, quizzes are open-book but time-limited.
Project Presentation and Group Work — 30%
Group Project — 20%
Students work on an applied Digital Dhamma project.
Possible projects include:
* Developing a social-media campaign for a Buddhist organisation
* Producing a mini-documentary or short-form Buddhist video
* Planning and supporting a livestreamed Dhamma talk
* Designing a prototype Buddhist educational chatbot
* Developing a digital resource library
* Creating a basic website or communications plan
Presentation — 10%
Groups deliver a presentation of approximately 10–15 minutes explaining their project.
Projects may be evaluated according to:
* Creativity and innovation
* Practicality and application
* Accuracy and ethical suitability
* Presentation and execution
Final Assessment — 30%
Students demonstrate their ability to integrate concepts learned throughout the course.
Depending on the assessment arrangements for the intake, students may complete either:
Written Assessment
Questions may examine:
* Digital ethics
* Social-media strategy
* Artificial intelligence
* IT systems
* Online communities
* Digital Dhammaduta
Practical Assessment
Tasks may include:
* Editing a Dhamma video
* Preparing a social-media content calendar
* Troubleshooting a technical problem
* Planning a livestream
* Reviewing an AI-generated Buddhist response
* Organising a digital communications workflow
Indicative duration: Up to 2 hours
Unless otherwise announced for the relevant intake, the final assessment is closed-book.
Attendance and Participation — 10%
Attendance — 5%
Students are expected to attend at least 80% of scheduled classes.
Participation — 5%
Students are expected to participate actively in:
* Discussions
* Workshops
* Group work
* Practical activities
Final assessment and certification arrangements follow the rules confirmed for your intake.