AI, WordPress, and the Future of Technology:

The Texas State Technical College Web/CPT (Computer Programming Technology) Advisory Board meeting is an annual event that brings together leading industry experts to discuss the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the technology and marketing sectors. The most recent meeting, held on March 17th, was no exception.

I’ve been a board member for 11 years and Chairman for the last three, and Jordan, my righthand man, has been on the board for two years. During the meeting we got to share insights into the impact of digital marketing on mobile devices, the effects of GDPR & CCPA on marketing, and the looming challenge of Google Chrome blocking third-party cookies in 2024. We stressed that these challenges present a significant opportunity for problem-solvers in the technology industry to provide innovative solutions to address these issues. The discussion around these topics was engaging and included attendees sharing their own experiences and offering their unique perspectives on these issues.

One topic that generated a lot of buzz was Artificial Intelligence (AI). Attendees debated the benefits and risks of embracing this technology. Despite the disagreements, there was a consensus that AI will become increasingly integrated into digital marketing and web development, and therefore it is essential to understand and harness this technology effectively. The conversation highlighted the need for industry professionals to remain open-minded and continue exploring the potential of AI.

The TSTC Web/CPT Advisory Board meeting also provided valuable insights into the latest trends and technologies. Attendees discussed javascript frameworks, GIT, and WordPress, with lively debates on the strengths and weaknesses of each. While opinions varied, attendees agreed that a fundamental understanding of base javascript is essential, and GIT as a version control system is becoming increasingly vital in the industry. Several companies even recommended teaching GIT in the first semester to help new graduates transition into the workforce more easily as we move further into a remote working world.

As we prepare for the 20th anniversary of WordPress, the question of whether WordPress is still relevant also sparked a lively discussion, in which attendees acknowledged the platform's dominance in the web development industry. Despite its critics, WordPress remains a go-to platform for creating websites of all sizes and complexities for all businesses.

To sum it up, the TSTC Web/CPT Advisory Board meetings provide a unique opportunity for industry experts to come together, share their knowledge, and discuss the latest trends and technologies. These meetings help shape the future of technology in marketing industries, and the Technology department at Four Columns is proud to be a part of this process. With a commitment to innovation and an open-minded approach, the industry can continue to stay ahead of the curve and meet the challenges and opportunities of the future.

As the famous computer scientist Alan Kay once said, "The best way to predict the future is to invent it." By working together and staying informed, the technology and marketing industries can create a brighter future for everyone.