5: Identity Crisis Among HE Academics

The landscape of higher education (HE) is experiencing a profound transformation in the digital era, and this is exacerbated by the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). This book chapter explores the identity crisis gripping HE academics, delving into the complexities of their relationship with AI and the challenges they face while adapting to the digital revolution. The first part of the chapter will examine the ‘resistance to AI’, uncovering the deep-rooted apprehensions among academics. Fear of job displacement looms large, leading to profound anxieties about the future. Simultaneously, scepticism about AI’s effectiveness and trust issues emerge, casting doubt on its role in education. Second, the chapter will explore how academics are ‘adapting to the Digital Era’. It will describe the strategies being used by academics when coping with this identity crisis. As academic professionals are encouraged to embrace professional development and remain relevant, this section also emphasises the need to view AI as a tool rather than a threat, fostering a more collaborative environment between humans and machines. Finally, the chapter will discuss ‘balancing tradition and innovation’, addressing the challenge of maintaining core academic values while incorporating AI responsibly. Academics are encouraged to strike a delicate balance between traditional methods and innovative AI-driven approaches to education while retaining the importance of preserving academic integrity and ethics.