Technology has become an integral component in the daily lives of individuals in both their professional and personal tasks. However, President Obama has expressed concerns that the American education may not be preparing students to take advantage of growing numbers of careers in the technology sector.
The demand for computer and information systems managers is expected to increase by 16 percent over the next seven years, which is faster than the average growth in all industries, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Unfortunately, American students have scored poorly in the science and math categories of standardized tests in comparison to their Asian and European counterparts, the New York Times reports.
As a result, President Obama has launched the Educate to Innovate program to foster greater participation and understanding in courses that could help students prepare for careers in the science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) fields.
Several companies and organizations – including the MacArthur Foundation and Time Warner Cable – have annonced plans for programs that are intended to rouse interest in science-related topics.
Sally Ride, who was contacted by the Obama Administration to lend her support to this cause, told the newspaper “there is a lot of corporate interest and foundation interest in this issue.”
Such a declaration is not surprising, as many technology-based companies will come to rely on employees who have been educated on the latest trends and discoveries in the scientific world. Especially those with a masters degree.
Some executives, including Bill Gates, have already launched initiatives to improve technology education at the collegiate level.
Through his Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Microsoft entrepreneur has announced he will donate $12.9 million to improve education at several technology-focused community colleges across the country, Campus Technology reports.
These grants will finance several new programs, including improvement of web-based open learning environments and the creation of developmental mathematics open educational resource materials. Online degree seekers will certainly benefit from these enhancements.
Hilary Pennington, the foundation’s director of education, postsecondary success and special initiatives, told the media outlet the grants aim to promote technology and its ability to “connect people, foster collaboration, empower learners and teachers, and challenge the status quo.”
As efforts to improve technology education expand, students and working adults may consider enrolling in degree programs online that can help them launch careers in fast-growing industries.
April 27, 2010
Does one have to apply for grants for science courses through the college that they plan to attend. It is better to go through the school or to apply before you find the school you want to attend?
May 4, 2010
I am thinking of going to school online to get my degree in technology and would like to eventually get a job working for government in Washington, DC. I just do not know how to attain that goal. Should I check with my school or is there a government agency to go to.
May 5, 2010
How do I find out what courses I will need to take in order to be qualified for a career in technology?
May 5, 2010
I am interested in getting an information technology degree online. How do I go about looking for the right school for me? Where do I start?
May 7, 2010
Many grants, especially federal grants, actually cannot be applied for without know what school you want to attend. To find a great technology school, you can use our college matching service.
May 14, 2010
I was looking at the govrenment website for financial aid. I was wondering if they provide funding for colleges other than community schools?
June 2, 2010
technology is the future so it only makes sense for them to try to encourage more people to study it
June 2, 2010
I am halfway through getting my degree in computer technology. Is there ususally help in finding a job after I graduate, even if I am taking courses online?
June 20, 2010
In most cases, when you get a scholarship from a specific company, such as Microsoft, do they expect you to go to work for them after you graduate?
June 20, 2010
I am in my third year of my degree in technology and have run out of funding to pay for my education. What do I need to do now to get financial aid at this point?
June 21, 2010
If I am adept at computers, would I be a good candidate to get a degree in technology?
June 22, 2010
I am interested in IT. Would finding a job be hard if I have only had jobs online?
June 22, 2010
If I am almost finished completing my bachelors degree in computer technology. I will need more financial aid, can I go back to the same source for more money?
June 26, 2010
I was a single working mother and after reading some of your information, I decided to go to school online for a computer technology degree. I have taken just 3 courses so far, but have been promoted at work and will be appllying for a job in the information technology department. Thank you so much for this information.
June 26, 2010
I have been working in a program testing department and have taught myself a great deal about technology and computer information. If I want to go to school online to get my degree, will the information I already know enable me to skip some of the classes?
June 27, 2010
So, I have already been working in the computer industry for the last 10 years, is it advisable to go back to school and learn new systems?
July 2, 2010
I was trying to find companies that offer scholarships for college for people who study their specialties. Can you tell me where I can find a list of those companies?
July 2, 2010
I am interested in going back to school online to get my degree as a court reporter. Do I need a bachelors degree, or can I get an associates?
July 13, 2010
I am almost finished with my degree. I am wondering if there is assistance in employment after graduation?
July 13, 2010
I am currently planning to go to online college to get my degree in computer technology. I live in a town where there are many schools, and additionally online schools don’t need to be nearby. How do I determine which is the best school for me?
July 13, 2010
I am thinking of getting a degree in computer software. How do I find out what courses I need to complete?
July 14, 2010
I am pleased to see that some companies are interested in helping to educate students in fields that will promote innovation. Are these companies going to pay to the education?
July 17, 2010
I am interested in getting my degree in information technology and going to an online school. Is there a way to find out what the best online schools are for this?
July 18, 2010
It does not surpirse my one bit that the computer industry is a good bet. I use a computer for social networking and surfing the net. I am currently a manager in a retail store. Would it make sense for me to take some online classes to learn more technology?
July 18, 2010
I can see why the government wants to put as much money as possible into educating people in technology. Computers are definately going to take over the world.
July 18, 2010
I just completed my degree in computer technology. I would love to move to DC and get a job working for the govenment. Any suggestions on how to do that?
July 25, 2010
I am really interested in getting my degree in computer technology and I was wondering if researching computer companies like Dell, Apple, or Microsoft to find out if they offer financial aid would be worth a try?
July 27, 2010
I recently finished my degree in computer technology and just got a job working for the FBI in Washington DC. I really worked hard to do it, but I went on the government employment website.
July 29, 2010
I have always enjoyed computers, but never thought it as a career. I will look into finding an online school for computers. How hard is it to do online?
August 4, 2010
Thanks for the article, I’m going to be earning my computer science degree online and this was very reassuring.
August 4, 2010
It seems like technology is the career to go for these days. Everything seems to be computerized.
August 8, 2010
since the world is getting more and more techie, what phase of technology is the most popular?
August 8, 2010
I am looking for a course that just teaches you how to use you own personnal technological devices. Do you know of any courses like that?
August 8, 2010
I am really interested in getting a degree in technology. What I need help in deciding is what area of technology to go into.
September 1, 2010
I am interested in get a job in government. Is there a website that I can look at to see what qualifications I need?
September 15, 2010
Is a Bachelor’s degree offered for Web Design when taking an online degree program?
October 8, 2010
Yes it is, and there is help to find the right college that meets your needs.
November 28, 2010
So many other nations, such as India, China, and Japan have done such a great job of educaing their children in all aspects of technology. What can we do as Americans to catch up?
December 11, 2010
More federal and state grants for education the better! We should absolutely be providing more money to people to get through college. You can significantly improve your life with a bachelors degree and even more so with a masters degree. Tech degrees are fast moving degrees that lead you in to high demand careers so helping people along through these degrees and into these careers is only a good thing.
December 24, 2010
It would be ashame if like the automobile industry, all of the technology income went overseas. We need to stay up to speed so that this industry does not go overseas.
January 12, 2011
Hi Raymond. We’re here to help! You can go here to get matched up with the right online school for you.
January 14, 2011
Hey Greg. Technology is always changing and it is always a great idea to stop on top of the game. Taking online classes to learn more about technology is a stepping stone towards a degree and better career.
January 18, 2011
Hey Parkey. Try going here to learn more about a degree in computer science, the courses you’ll need and schools available.
January 18, 2011
I already have my associates degree, which I get in Leadership Studies. As part of the courses I took a few computer credits. Can I use them to continue on for a degree in technology?
January 18, 2011
I am interested in getting a degree in computer software design. Where would I start to look for scholarships?
January 18, 2011
I am in my junior year at college and have been working on a degree in education. I think I might want to switch to information technology. How much ground would I lose by change now?
January 19, 2011
Hi Jill. To get a better understanding of how much ground you’ll lose you need to speak with your advisor. The first two years of college often entail core courses that everyone needs to take regardless of your major. However, everyone is different as are degrees and college and universities. Speak with someone who knows about your college/university and their programs.
January 19, 2011
Hi Wendy! You can check out Education Connection’s grants and scholarships page for a listing of available scholarships and other resources.
January 19, 2011
Hi Kelly. You may be able to use some of those course to start your degree in technology. The school/university you attend will let you know courses you’ll need to complete that degree.
January 19, 2011
Hey Carry. Congratulations on your degree! There are tons of great resources out there for finding a job, use them wisely
January 19, 2011
Hi Charlene, you can fill out this quick guide to see what online schools are best fit for you.
January 20, 2011
Hi David. That sounds like a great idea. Dell and Microsoft both offer great scholarships for students.
January 20, 2011
Hey Patrick. It depends the kind of degree you’re seeking. However, most online courses are as difficult as another class would be. Just as you would in an on-campus setting, you have to dedicate time to completing your work, studying and attending classes.
February 22, 2011
Hi Sarah. Check out our technology page to scope out the different technology degrees available.
February 22, 2011
Hey Gibson. The U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics is a great resource for looking at specific occupations and their stats, including qualifications and potential growth throughout the years.
March 1, 2011
Hey Shannon. Your school may have a career center that assists students with future employment.
March 4, 2011
Technology is the forefront of our infrastructure and everything the world is run on. To stay competitive we should definitely encourage a new generation with fresh ideas.
March 28, 2011
Technology is the future of the world, there should really be more programs to encourage it in America.
June 9, 2011
Hey Leonard. As technology is constantly evolving there isn’t exactly any phase that is most popular. Becoming acquainted with all aspects of technology is very beneficial in this technological day and age.
July 20, 2011
Hello Fred. Education Connection works to connect you with the right school for you, try submitting your information here to see if we can match you up with what you are looking for. Good luck!
January 31, 2012
Hi Jannell. Learning and continuing to learn is one of the most important things you can do.