Tech is Connected—
Joe Desiderio, dean of Business, IT and AI Innovation at Moraine Park, is helping shape how the College responds to artificial intelligence. As AI transforms industries, he ensures students are ready to lead in a tech-connected workforce. He shares his insight in this Ask an Expert feature.
What is artificial intelligence?
Artificial intelligence, or AI, refers to computer systems that learn from data, recognize patterns and assist with decision-making. The key word is assist. AI doesn’t think like a human. It analyzes large amounts of information quickly and helps people work more efficiently. People tend to think of Generative AI (ChatGPT, CoPilot, etc.) when they hear the term AI. It is much more than that. ChatGPT has been around since 2022, but AI has been around for decades.
Where is AI already shaping our lived in ways people may not realize?
Most of us use AI dozens of times a day without thinking about it. Virtual assistants like Siri, Alexa and Google Assistant are all powered by AI. It powers Face ID and autocorrect on our phones, filters spam from our email, reroutes traffic in navigation apps and flags unusual activity on bank accounts. Streaming services, online shopping platforms and social media feeds use AI to personalize what we see. If you interact with a chatbot or support on a website or in an app, it is most likely an AI agent. In workplaces and colleges, it’s built into scheduling systems, analytics dashboards and marketing tools. It often works quietly in the background, improving speed and accuracy.
What’s the biggest misconception about AI?
The biggest misconception is that AI replaces humans and human judgment. In reality, it works best alongside people. AI can process information quickly, but humans provide context, ethics and decision-making. That balance is especially important in fields like health care, education and business. AI output cannot always be completely trusted. Hallucinations happen in AI frequently. People need to be there to verify the output.
What skill will matter most as AI becomes more common?
Technical knowledge is valuable, but human skills will set people apart. Critical thinking, adaptability, creativity and ethical decision-making will continue to be essential. Knowing how to apply AI tools effectively and responsibly will be important across nearly every industry.
How is AI changing the workplace, and should people be concerned about job loss?
According to a LinkedIn article, job postings that mention AI have increased over 130 percent since 2020 while total job postings have only increased 6 percent in that same time period. AI can automate many tasks so employees can focus on problem-solving, communication and strategy. As with past technological shifts, some roles will evolve and new ones will emerge. The focus shouldn’t be fear, but readiness and learning how to use AI as a tool. People still need to be there to make sure the AI output is accurate. AI will change the way some jobs are performed, but very few jobs will be completely replaced with AI.
Where is AI headed in the next 5-10 years?
AI will become more integrated into daily life and work, often in ways people barely notice. It will continue supporting health care, manufacturing, small businesses, agriculture and education by improving efficiency and decision support. As the technology advances, the demand for professionals who can apply it thoughtfully and responsibly will grow.
What industries will need AI-trained professionals?
Just about all of them. Technology roles will continue building and refining systems, but fields like software development, data analytics, health care, manufacturing, finance, business and public service will depend on professionals who understand how to implement and manage AI tools. The greatest need won’t just be technical developers, but leaders who can translate AI into practical, ethical and human-centered solutions that strengthen the workforce.
Moraine Park Technical College is preparing the next generation of AI professionals through its new AI Data Specialist program. Learn more at morainepark.edu/artificial-intelligence.