The Digital Fluency Initiative merges the applications of technology in each academic discipline with the content knowledge and the liberal arts foundation that together form Franklin College’s distinctive academic experience. The initiative provides cutting-edge tools for our students across the curriculum, preparing them for the high-tech world they will encounter upon graduation.

Digital fluency is defined as “the ability to leverage technology to create new knowledge, new challenges, and new problems and to complement these with critical thinking, complex problem-solving, and social intelligence.”

(EDUCause Review “Digital Fluency: Preparing Students to Create Big, Bold Problems” March 12, 2018)

“Technology alone is not enough. It’s technology married with the liberal arts, married with the humanities, that yields the results that makes our hearts sing.”

Steve Jobs

Digital Competencies at Franklin College

Franklin College will prepare its students for the digital workforce of the future. The skills will be learned in a variety of settings, both curricular and co-curricular, but each FC student will graduate with these five competencies at the core of their digital fluency experience.

The CTI will serve as the hub for the college’s newly created digital fluency program. It will provide collaboration and workspace for students, faculty, and staff members to explore new technologies.

Audio Studio

Record, edit, and mix sounds using pro-quality microphones, mixing console, and software.

Photo/Video Studio

Shoot and edit high-quality photo and video content in a production studio outfitted with 4K cameras , a variety of backdrops, and lighting options.

VR and Gaming Space

Play a variety of games with our gaming consoles and VR equipment. Or create your own virtual reality and gaming content with our state-of-the-art software.

Data visualization

Dive deep into your data projects, whether for class, or a personal passion project with access to our workstations and data visualization software such as Tableau.

3D Printing

Be able to create and print your own three-dimensional models using high-quality printers.

Our Goals

Curricular

Increase the number and depth of digital fluency offerings within courses.

Co-Curricular and Student Life

Engage students in co-curricular digital fluency activities to increase workforce readiness skills.

Professional Development

Prepare Franklin College faculty to incorporate digital fluency competencies in their courses.

Employer Partnerships

Engage Indiana employers in partnerships with Franklin College to benefit students, faculty, and staff.

Opportunity — Why Digital Skills Matter

If you write digital on your résumé, your odds of getting a job are much higher than not having that word on your résumé.

85

of jobs that will be available in 2030 haven't been created

2

Liberal arts students with additional technical skills qualify for nearly twice as many job openings

77

of hiring managers say new hires need digital literacy skills

Preparing Digitally Fluent Students, Leaders, and Citizens.

Hear Faculty, Students, as well as the President discuss the applications and uses of being digitally fluent.

Digital Fluency Advisory Council

Franklin College recognizes it is not enough to equip students with the skills they need to be successful in a digital world, they must be offered exposure to relevant opportunities as well. To aid in this endeavor, the college established the Franklin College Digital Fluency Advisory Council to serve as a pipeline for students into jobs that best utilize the training and education they received at Franklin. The council is directed by Andrew Rosner, Director of Digital Fluency at Franklin College.

Aleks Davis

Aleks is the CEO of B2S Life Sciences, a biotherapeutic enablement company advancing improved analytical methods and outcomes for developers of biotherapeutic drugs and diagnostics.

Merillat Flowers

Merillat is the Senior Vice President of Engagement at TechPoint, the growth initiative for Indiana’s digital innovation economy.

Darcy Lee

Darcy most recently served as Vice President of Strategic Growth & Partnerships at Six Feet Up, a consulting company specializing in Python and AI. She was also recently named a 2023 Tech 25 Honoree by TechPoint.

Alison Lightner

Alison is an advisor for High Alpha Innovation, a business-to-business software as a service (B2B SaaS) venture studio.

Andy Medley

Andy is the co-founder and Chief Revenue Officer at PERQ, a marketing automation solution for automating the multifamily renter’s journey. 

Connor Nash

Connor is a Global Experience Analytics Manager at Securitas Technology, a provider of integrated security solutions that protect, connect and optimize businesses of all types and sizes. He is a 2016 graduate of the college.

Eric Stanley

Eric is the founder and CEO for M2N, a company that promotes equity in workforce development by maximizing access and opportunities for underestimated professionals.

Chris Woolery

Chris is the Senior Manager for Analytics and Business intelligence at Republic Airways, a regional airline that operates flights on behalf of American, Delta, and United Airlines. He is a 1988 graduate of the college.

Linda Calvin, J.D.

Linda is the Chief Impact Officer at Reboot Representation, a pioneering initiative focused on narrowing the gender gap in the tech industry for Black, Latina, and Native American (BLNA). With a strong background in tech and a commitment to diversity, Linda’s mission is to ignite passion for tech careers and promote digital literacy in educational programs.

Linda’s expertise spans the private IT sector, communication, law, global leadership, and academia as the former Vice President of the IT School for Ivy Tech Community College. She’s driven to empower individuals in tech careers, boost economic mobility, and advocate for diversity and inclusion. Currently, as the Chief Impact Officer at Reboot, she leads efforts to foster change in corporate cultures to retain and attract BLNA female talent.

Stephanie Cox

Stephanie is the CEO of Lumavate, a product experience management platform that provides marketers with the ability to centralize product data, manage digital assets, and create digital experiences. She is a 2003 graduate of the college.

Jennifer Merrell

Jennifer gained experience as the Vice President of TechPoint where she worked to bridge the gap between the tech industry and academia. She is the current CEO of Uncharted LLC, where she works as a public speaker and continues to connect the dots in preparing our next generation of workforce talent.

Munashe Mugonda

Munashe is a Senior Data Engineer and Technical Product Owner for Columbus-based Cummins Inc., and a member of the Cummins Digital Organization Employee Engagement Committee. She is a 2018 graduate of the college.

Brandon Platt

Brandon is the owner and CEO of 4D Digital Media, a company specializing in marketing and social media management for the dental health industry. He is a 2010 graduate of the college.

Franklin College | Digital Fluency Initiative