Empowering Faculty Vitality and Mitigating Burnout Through Generative AI in Higher Education

Abstract

In today's dynamic landscape of higher education, the pervasive issue of faculty burnout has emerged as a pressing concern, casting a shadow over the well-being of educators and the overall quality of instruction. This chapter proposal embarks on an exploration of how generative artificial intelligence (AI) can act as a transformative force within higher education, specifically focusing on its potential to empower faculty members, enhance pedagogical practices, and mitigate the alarming prevalence of burnout. The chapter's central objectives are multifaceted, commencing with a comprehensive examination of the multifaceted phenomenon of faculty burnout. This includes an analysis of the contributing factors such as the escalating workloads, the shift towards online and blended learning modalities, and the overwhelming administrative duties that educators must shoulder. The aim here is to illuminate the multifaceted nature of burnout, thereby fostering an enhanced understanding of its urgency and the critical need for sustainable solutions.