Last year almost one in three of the world's population used the internet. While in America nearly 75% of the population are online, most of this growth is coming from the developing world - especially India and China - where with every passing year millions more will be demanding access to a computer. Add to this the rise in web-enabled 'smart' phones (up 193% year-on-year in 2009) and you can see that we're on the brink of something staggering.
How Does this Affect the Workforce of the Future?
What does this mean for a student just taking their first tentative steps on the career ladder? Obviously, given the way in which computer-use is gathering momentum with every passing year some technological discipline - whether it's in the field of computer programming, information systems or information technology degrees - is likely to be extremely advantageous.
But it would be naive to assume that information technology (that is "the study, design, development, implementation, support or management of computer-based information systems, particularly software applications and computer hardware") is limited to personal computers. In the data-driven world we live in, you can see evidence of IT almost everywhere you look.
Wide Range of Information Technology Degrees
Having established the paramount importance of infotech skills for the workforce of tomorrow, the next question is always going to be: how can I acquire those skills? Well, obviously the world of IT is an extensive one - and there's inevitably a wide-ranging variety of degrees and courses are out there to cater for every specific skill set required.
A more general undergraduate information technology degree might be the best place to start for school leavers. These courses tend to aim to give students a grasp of the fundamentals in information systems, basic software development and computer and network technologies.
But courses and degrees in information technology can range from computer science courses that focus on robotics and artificial intelligence to the more applied end of the scale with a degree in applied business computing, say - where an array of techniques from developing business systems applications to integrating business and software systems can be acquired.
Where to Find Out About Information Technology Degrees
In the United States and Western Europe, these days nearly all colleges and universities offer a wide variety of computing and information technology degrees. As you'd expect, there's also a growing number of online colleges to choose from.
But how do you get all the relevant information together in the same place - in order for you to make a really informed decision? Simple: an online education search engine. Trust IT to come up with a time-saving technological
Earning Potential Increases With Information Technology Degree
Many people today are pursuing an information technology degree. Whether they are going to be a specialist in computer sciences or looking to climb the corporate ladder, having some strong computer based informational skills is essential in today's modern world.
Information technology encompasses a wide variety of topics and subjects. There are many things an IT specialist might choose to focus on. Computer engineering and information and communications are both part of what an IT specialist gains knowledge and experience about, as well as other topics. Anything having to do with design, manufacture, operation, maintenance and repair of information technology products, or providing related services across all industries all falls under information technology.
It's no small fact that each of the major computer manufacturers and designers of computer software most used by the public and the business sector also have certification programs while others offer some form of information technology degree. Whether it's the common use of Microsoft or something more advanced like Linux and Ubuntu operating systems, there will be some form of education required to handle them and a suitable degree program to understand and master them.
Many online courses and colleges offer degrees in information technology. While it is a fact that online courses do not offer in-person trainers and teachers at a student's side while they are learning, students are still provided with ways to ask important questions and resolve any issues they might have with a lesson.
For the best earning potential in the field of information technology, a minimum education of at least a bachelor degree in information technology is essential. This proves to a potential employer that you have ability to think logically while possessing other important job skills such as "soft skills" - ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Vendor certification is also available for those learners or IT specialists who want a faster and more focused training to acquire a specific skill-set than is offered through a traditional information technology degree. Popular vendor certification courses in IT include those offered by Microsoft, such as MCSE. However, in order to get a job in some of the more complex areas of information technology, such as software engineering and database administration, a graduate degree in information technology is normally preferred.
Students and graduates of IT courses can move among many different fields and careers, from working with marketing firms and large corporations to mastering robotics and networks. Web design and multimedia also fall under the IT category. With a well rounded education, the numerous jobs that open up with an IT degree make IT graduates successful in so many different fields.
The most important thing to look for if choosing to obtain an online degree information technology is for a school to be accredited. This means that the school of choice meets certain set standards and provides quality education. Only by obtaining an accredited online degree in information technology can a student hope to be accepted for some of the best careers and training in the field of information technology.
Learning online is a great way to improve existing education without putting other aspects of your life to a halt. The field of information technology is vast and steadily growing, encompassing a wide range of topics and technologies necessary to many fields of business. As careers blossom and people develop new progressive ways to share information, an information technology degree becomes ever more important. Earning a degree online allows students to continue working in their chosen field and push their careers for
