Abstract
In today's rapidly evolving higher education landscape, faculty development is crucial for equipping
educators with the competences and mindset needed to meet students’ diverse needs. This contribution examines the integration of digital tools and generative AI in higher education, focusing on its impact on faculty development. A survey conducted among 107 professors and researchers reveals the current use of digital technologies, teaching challenges, and training needs. The findings indicate that while Microsoft Teams and shared files are frequently used, there is limited familiarity with interactive tools like Mentimeter, Padlet, and Kahoot. Additionally, more than half of the faculty struggle to implement engaging, effective, and inclusive teaching methodologies. The survey also highlights a significant interest in learning how to use AI for creating teaching content, gamification, and automated assessment. The chapter concludes by emphasizing the need for continuous professional development to navigate the evolving educational landscape shaped by AI and digital technologies, ensuring that educators can create engaging, student-centred learning environments and transition from the Age of the Scholar to the Age of the Learner-or even the emerging Age of AI.