Join the conversation with John Rouda as he shares his thoughts on bringing AI and ChatGPT into the workplace and schools. We also cover the importance of learning the basics before using AI, how John approaches adopting other new technologies in his role managing an IT department, the impact of streaming services on content ownership and more.

John is VP of IT at INSP, LLC. He comes with over 20 years' experience in IT leadership and is an expert in software engineering, networking, and cyber security. He has honed his skills in all aspects of project life cycles, including agile methodologies. Aside from leadership positions at some of the most deemed IT companies, John has also served as an IT professor at York Technical College and an adjunct professor at Winthrop University. In his spare time, John hosts his own podcast - A Geek Leader.

Conversation Highlights:

[00:07] Intro

[02:41] A bit about our guest, John Rouda

[03:14] What it’s like adopting new technology in an old industry

[07:42] What computer science majors are learning today

[11:59] The importance of real-life experience in college education

[16:18] Current changes in the media industry

[21:08] The future of AI and how it will impact the media industry

[26:16] John’s experience with GPT and false narratives

[30:03] AI prompt engineering course on LinkedIn learning

[34:08] Blocking Twitter and putting a six month hold on it

[36:27] John’s message to the whole world

[37:56] Closing thoughts

Notable Quotes

• “Back when I was in college, we had to learn operating systems. You had to learn compilers. You picked a language or two that you studied courses on and that's what you went through. Now there are different areas that you can go to. There are a lot of different options within a Computer Science degree.” John Rouda [08:40]
• If I'm hiring someone out of college, I don't want to see that they just took classes. I want to see that they were involved and that they have a portfolio of some sort, or some kind of history of work, whether it's an internship, whether it's being able to do these projects.” John Rouda [12:28]
• “Five years ago, we were saying everyone is cutting the cord, but I actually think it's kind of coming back where people are starting to go back to the cable companies because there are too many streaming services.” Aaron Bock [19:22]

Connect With John Rouda

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnrouda/

The IT Matters Podcast is about IT matters and matters pertaining to IT.