The Age of AI in faculty development. Survey insights on integration of digital tools and AI

Abstract

This contribution explores the integration of digital tools and generative AI in higher education and its impact on faculty development. It highlights the transformative potential of AI in teaching, personalizing learning and streamlining administrative tasks. The study focuses on a small university in Northern Italy, where a survey was conducted to identify faculty training needs related to active didactics, AI and digital technologies. Results indicate that while instructors do not integrate digital tools into their teaching, they face challenges in designing engaging, effective, and inclusive teaching and learning activities. The article emphasizes the need for faculty development programs to equip educators with the competences to adopt student-centred pedagogies and the ethical use of generative AI, ensuring that AI enhances rather than replacing humans.