Challenges, Opportunity, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Competency for Higher Education Faculty

In the era of digital disruption, the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) technology are becoming increasingly significant. While concerns about the implications of AI are understandable, these developments offer both opportunities and challenges. By incorporating AI into education, educators can enhance their pedagogical strategies and course design to meet the evolving demands of modern education. AI can support personalized learning, data-driven decision-making, and adaptive instructional methods.

To enhance the competency of educators in integrating AI into teaching and learning within the higher education context. This study aims to explore and identify the key competencies necessary for educators to develop and implement AI-related skills effectively. Data was collected through in-depth interviews with twelve participants with relevant experience integrating AI into their professional practice. The interview protocol encompassed questions addressing their perspectives, experiences, insights into case studies, policies, the potential availability of supporting resources, and key competencies necessary for effectively incorporating AI into higher education institutions. Each interview was conducted either face-to-face or online.

The research indicates that participants exhibited a positive attitude towards integrating AI technologies, acknowledging their advantages and practical applications within the educational context. Incorporating AI into faculty environments presents challenges and technical complexity. Integrating AI into faculty environments faces several challenges, such as the need for AI tools to align with educational goals, the lack of AI literacy among teaching personnel, and the infrastructure of AI supporting system concerns, but also offers opportunities for enhanced teaching, data-driven insights, and administrative efficiency. Competency in AI integration can be achieved through professional development, collaboration with tech experts, lifelong learning (upskilling and reskilling), and maintaining the integrity of human-centric education. Moreover, the study identifies that Generative AI assisted educators in their professional roles rather than replace them in these functions: critical resources to enhance conventional pedagogical methods, foster innovative instructional approaches, and improve classroom management. Implementing AI tools should adhere to established ethical standards, promoting responsible use within educational settings. However, the widespread adoption of these tools remains contingent upon establishing appropriate institutional policies necessary to integrate AI technologies into teaching and learning practices fully.