Discover How Technology and STEM are Changing the World

Summary:

Technology has changed the world, and will continue doing so. High school students interested in getting a jumpstart on a career in technology will greatly benefit from online courses that center on tech innovations. These can include:

• Computer programming
• Video game design
• Biomedical engineering
• Surgery
• Cybersecurity

Did you know that a whopping 90% of the world’s data was generated between 2019 and the present? There’s no denying that the meteoric rise of technology has touched every part of our lives. From access to the web, business platforms, third-party providers, and apps, technology drives much of what we do on a daily basis — and growth is only expected to continue. In fact, it was reported that: 

• Workforce growth rates are expected to double, with some tech categories reaching 4-5 times the current rate by 2030.
• Projections show global IT spending will reach $4.6 trillion in 2023.
• Zippia reports that the tech industry makes up 35% of the total world market.

In this rapidly expanding industry, job security and good pay is prevalent. In fact, Forbes reported that:

• Computer and IT jobs reported a median annual wage of $104,420.
• In 2022, 108,503 college graduates earned bachelor’s degrees in computer and information sciences.
• Tech majors earn a median annual salary of $90,000.
• More than one-third of U.S. economic growth comes from tech sectors.
• Computer and information technology jobs are expected to see a 14% projected job growth by 2032.
• This is significantly higher than the median annual salary for all jobs, which reached $48,060 in 2023.
  

However, it’s important to realize that in addition to traditional tech jobs, technology’s expansion into other pertinent industries is prevalent. Think medicine, engineering, physics — specifically, STEM. 

Discover how critical thinking is essential to a STEM education and career. In addition, learn how STEM is the foundation for aerospace.  

As a high school student with an interest in technology, does the idea of studying technology — and the potential of someday joining this lucrative industry — intrigue you? Did you know that you can get a jumpstart on your future with high school STEM enrichment programs?

Let’s take a look. First up, tech-specific college prep programs.

High School Tech Enrichment Programs 

Case Western Reserve University offers a course titled: Computer Science: An Introduction To Digital Technology. In it, you will take a deep dive into all aspects of computer science, from hardware and operating systems to various web applications. You’ll explore topics such as how digital technology differs from analog; languages like JavaScript, HTML, and Python; algorithmic thinking; and how computers share information.

With Georgetown University, you can experience Cybersecurity: Protecting Our Digital Future. This tech-forward course unveils how cyberspace evolved, how it opened the door for cyberattacks, and how the world of the dark web came to exist. Learn from industry experts from the FBI, CISA, and more about the vulnerabilities that exist on the web.

In University of Rochester’s course Intro to Video Game Design, you’ll discover how digital games are built and the skills game designers and developers use. Learn the art of storytelling and the techniques used to embed puzzles, action-adventure, and drama. See interviews with top game designers and explore careers in the field.

Next, let’s review college prep courses online that greatly demonstrate how innovations in technology have influenced science and other industries. 

Tech-Forward STEM Courses

Surgery is one industry where technology plays an integral part in its current success. In this course from Georgetown University, Becoming a Surgeon: Skills, Specialties, and Diseases, you’ll review technological advances, such as robotics and digital scanning. You’ll also study diseases of the abdomen and create your own model of the major organs and vascular structures. 

Genetic engineering is all about technology, as it is used to manipulate and modify an organism's genes. In the Rice University precollege course, Genome Engineering: Changing the Future of Medicine you’ll delve into genome engineering and how the human genome can be edited to treat diseases. Study the ethics surrounding genome editing and compare the various design tools utilized, especially as applied in the medical field.

Consider Case Western Reserve’s engineering course for high school students. Engineering: From 2D Sketch to 3D Model is designed for those with a passion for engineering. You’ll hear from experts in robotics, electrical and mechanical engineers, even video game designers. You’ll gain vital knowledge in 2D sketching, take it through 3D design, and learn the language of design.

Another great option is the University of Rochester’s pre-college online biomedical engineering course. Biomedical Engineering: Solving the Body’s Challenges with Technology invites you to learn about how things work: like artificial limbs, implantable devices, diagnostic screening equipment, and technical advances that solve health problems. You’ll study the engineering approach to the body, and discover why precise measurements are a critical part of the discipline.

It’s no secret that technology is paving the future, and those working in the industry are changing lives. Start your tech exploration with online college prep courses with Prelum, Powered by Kaplan.