Robert Butts
Educational Technologist,
Denison University
High School to the Hill: Integrating Digital Foundations into First-Year Orientation
Wednesday, September 30, 2026 | 3:30PM–4:15PM MT
Session Type:
Breakout Session
Delivery Format:
Presentation
In recent years, faculty have observed that students often lack essential tech skills in areas such as file management and storage, digital library resources, cybersecurity, operating systems, and troubleshooting. These gaps create unnecessary stress as students begin their academic journeys, and can detract from valuable class time. Denison’s Educational Technology team partnered with Cybersecurity, the Library, Enrollment, Fraternity and Sorority Life, and First-Year Experience to address these skill gaps through asynchronous Canvas modules. Designed as a bridge between incoming students’ high school tech skills and the competencies expected in college, our approach encourages reflection on past practices, includes practical hands-on activities, and introduces students to our campus culture. The design was informed by faculty insights, in-class observations, surveys of current first-years, and feedback from students involved in fraternities and sororities. Incoming students completed the modules in July 2026 as part of their onboarding prior to moving to campus. Our presentation will outline our planning, data collection, course design, coordination with campus partners, and reflections/lessons learned on the outcomes of this pilot initiative. Participants will have opportunities to brainstorm how to implement similar initiatives at their institutions, including identifying areas for digital skill-strengthening, potential collaborators, and developing actionable next steps.
