Abstract
This contribution explores the integration of digital tools and artificial intelligence in higher education and its
impact on faculty development. It highlights the transformative potential of AI in teaching, personalising 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 student centred pedagogies, 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 emphasises the need for faculty development programs to equip educators with the competences to adopt student-centred pedagogies and the ethical use of generative AI.