4 minute read
AI in the Workforce
Guest Writer: Jordan O’Connell, Instructional Designer and Instructor, NICC
Artificial intelligence (AI) is here and changing how we work in northeast Iowa. From automating repetitive tasks to supporting complex decisionmaking, recent breakthroughs in machine learning and neural networks have emerged as a potential economic accelerator across local industries. At Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC), we are focused on helping our communities understand how AI will impact not only our business partners, but the employees and families who sustain the region’s economy.
We see firsthand the interest AI is generating across our service area. Last year, NICC hosted AIfocused community education classes at places like Lansing Works, the Social Center in Dyersville and virtually online. These events drew folks from a wide range of industries, experiences and backgrounds, with many participants interested in AI’s entrepreneurial potential.
We are having important discussions about what AI means for education both inside and outside of our classrooms. Many instructors see student use of AI as a catalyst that can drive real improvements in the ways we teach and assess learning, beginning in our online learning spaces.
This semester, my online U.S. History students are using AI tools to collaborate on a research project I’ve been kicking around for over a decade: it was an AI-powered productivity tool that finally made the project feasible. The potential of AI goes beyond reducing the burden of our human labors—it extends into how these tools can enable us to work together in new ways to solve old problems.
At NICC, our faculty and staff have engaged with AI tools, training and research for over two years. Since early 2024, our AI Alliance has been offering guidance on how individual programs and departments can responsibly integrate generative AI tools into their work. We prioritize data security and continue to deepen our own institutional capacity to understand and respond to new and emerging technologies. These efforts, combined with ongoing investments in learninganalytics and institutional research, will enable us to measure and support student success in smarter and more effective ways in the years ahead. President Dave Dahms, his cabinet and our College Board of Trustees have positioned NICC as a community college leader in AI readiness.
If you’re ready to explore what AI might mean for your workplace or organization, you’re invited to attend the upcoming Business Summit - Business Success Through the Power of AI. This engaging session with Susan Frew, a renowned entrepreneur and speaker, will provide valuable insights into the transformative impact of AI across various industries. Susan has worked with major corporations like Verizon and ESPN Radio to improve functions and business strategy. Want to connect with our experts? Reach out to the NICC AI Alliance at AI@nicc.edu. The group represents diverse perspectives on AI and welcomes any AI-related proposals focused on the growth and vitality of northeast Iowa.
Jordan O’Connell serves as an instructional designer and instructor at Northeast Iowa Community College, where he supports faculty in course building, assessment design and instructional technologies. He recently co-authored a chapter for Teachers' Roles and Perspectives on AI Integration in Schools (IGI Global, 2025), which explores the opportunities and ethical considerations of AI use amongst educators. He is currently pursuing an education doctoral degree through Winona State University and can be reached at oconnellj@nicc.edu
Business Success Through the Power of AI
#101308 May 20, Calmar
#101306 May 21, Peosta
Unlock the potential of Artificial Intelligence and elevate your business at the upcoming Business Summit at Northeast Iowa Community College! Join this engaging session with Susan Frew, a renowned entrepreneur and speaker who will provide valuable insights into the transformative impact of AI across various industries. Her client list includes companies like Verizon, ESPN Radio and more. This is not just a talk; it's an opportunity to see firsthand how integrating AI into your business strategy can become an essential asset for success.
Cost: $169
REGISTER TODAY! nicc.edu/businesssummit
Susan Frew’s entrepreneurial journey as the owner of a successful company highlights her talent for scaling businesses to national acclaim. With a background as General Manager for two countries in a Fortune 20 telecom, she has developed a strong grasp of growth strategies. A keynote speaker and ”Super User of AI,” Susan effectively integrates technology into her professional and personal ventures. Her hands-on experience with AI enables her to empower others to harness its transformative potential for innovation and growth.
