Greetings, Franklin College alumni and friends!
The transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) has become a widespread and captivating topic. While lacking the distinctive human abilities required for creative problem-solving, AI saves valuable time and effort in gathering and synthesizing data. Still, it cannot replicate the sophisticated and essential tasks achieved through innovative thinking, critical reasoning and collaborative engagement.
Anticipating digital advancements such as AI, Franklin College launched a visionary program four years ago to integrate digital fluency into our comprehensive liberal arts curriculum. This ambitious initiative, funded by Lilly Endowment Inc., underscores our belief that technological expertise is essential for a liberal arts education. By combining essential “power skills” critical thinking, analytical reasoning, collaborative teamwork and effective communication with mastery of advanced tech skills, students are prepared uniquely well for the information economy of today and tomorrow.
While generative AI presents some challenges in academia, these are manageable and often serve as valuable learning opportunities for using technology responsibly. Franklin College has enthusiastically embraced these advances, recognizing their vast potential to equip students with practical, forward-thinking skills for academic and career success.
In our classrooms, AI and other digital tools are integrated to enhance student learning. Business students craft innovative search engine strategies, math students utilize AIdriven image recognition systems to analyze complex data, journalism students refine their editing and headline creation skills, and elementary education students practice teaching skills before avatar "students" in a virtual classroom. Such versatile applications extend throughout the entire curriculum.
Our Center for Tech Innovation features a maker space, advanced 3D printers, a podcast studio and a virtual reality lab. Today’s students understand the power of technology to fully leverage their liberal arts education.
I invite you to explore our Digital Fluency Initiative via the link below to learn more about how we are distinctively enhancing the essential foundation of the liberal arts with the power of cutting-edge technology.
Kerry N. Prather President
Discover how our Digital Fluency Initiative is empowering students and shaping the future.
Explore here.
