Faculty Development Session Highlights the Importance of AI Literacy in Higher Education

On October 27, 2026, the RIT K Faculty Development Center, in partnership with the Support Office for Innovation in Education (GAIE) of UTP – Porto Technical University, Faculty of Business, organized a professional development session dedicated to advancing faculty understanding of artificial intelligence in higher education.

The online training session, “AI Literacy and Competencies in Higher Education: An Educational Priority,” was facilitated by Ismael Vieira, PhD, Senior Specialist in Pedagogical Innovation. The session explored the growing significance of AI literacy, the responsible and ethical use of artificial intelligence, and the essential competencies educators need to effectively navigate the evolving landscape of higher education.

Faculty members described the session as highly informative, engaging, and relevant to contemporary teaching practice. Participants particularly appreciated the emphasis on digital literacy, emerging AI technologies, and innovative pedagogical approaches. The discussion on fostering meaningful student engagement, strengthening educator-student relationships, and preserving the joy of learning in an AI-enabled environment resonated strongly with attendees and provided a valuable foundation for continued professional growth.

Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive. Many expressed interest in further professional development opportunities that move beyond theory and focus on practical applications of AI in teaching and learning. Faculty members highlighted the importance of practice-oriented workshops that provide actionable strategies, classroom-ready resources, and concrete examples for integrating AI effectively and responsibly into educational settings.

The RIT K Faculty Development Center extends its sincere appreciation to the Support Office for Innovation in Education (GAIE) of UTP – Porto Technical University, Faculty of Business, and to Dr.Vieira, for their collaboration, expertise, and commitment to supporting excellence in higher education. This partnership reflects a shared dedication to innovation, continuous learning, and the professional advancement of faculty members.

Looking ahead, the RITK Faculty Development Center is finalizing its professional development schedule for the upcoming semester and remains committed to identifying new opportunities that introduce faculty to leading practices in teaching and learning. We value our ongoing collaboration with our institutional partners and look forward to future initiatives that strengthen teaching excellence, foster innovation, and prepare educators to meet the evolving needs of higher education.