STEM
and Learning About Web Design
The
world is becoming more technologically advanced due to the
hard work of innovators, scientists, and engineers. The
continued improvement of humanity's standard of living
depends largely on the evolution of technology. In the years
to come, this evolution will continue with new discoveries
that will change how people live and function. In order for
this to continue, there must be a new generation of
individuals who can conduct the research and create the
technology that is the foundation of that ongoing growth.
For that reason, schools are putting an emphasis on
STEM-related curricula to encourage interest and prepare
students for a future in these careers.
STEM
STEM,
an acronym for science, technology, engineering, and math,
is a term first used by the National Science Foundation in
2001. It is used in relation to both school curricula and
careers that require an understanding of science,
technology, engineering, and/or math. Students who receive a
STEM education are more likely to obtain jobs in these
fields as an adult or to return as educators with the
knowledge to teach the next generation. This is crucial, as
STEM-related jobs are expected to grow significantly in the
years ahead. Unfortunately, not all students have access to
schools that have strong science, math, or information
technology programs. In other cases, programs that are
available do not stimulate an interest in pursuing such
careers. Examples of STEM careers include computer systems
analysts, medical scientists, biomedical engineers, systems
software developers, and chemists. A person who pursues a
STEM career has an abundance of choices, such as becoming a
geoscientist, an architect, a doctor or psychologist, or a
forensic scientist.
Web
Design
Web
design is another branch of STEM. People see and use
websites every day, whether they're shopping online,
visiting a gaming site, or just surfing the Web. They are
crucial for those who need an online presence, which can be
anyone from small businesses to large corporations. Because
they are a visual representation of a company's product or
of themselves, websites have the ability to make a positive
or negative first impression that will impact traffic and,
when applicable, sales. As a result, people often turn to a
Web design professional for help. A Web designer is someone
who creates websites following a consultation with their
clients or employer. They plan and execute the website's
appearance and layout so that it is attractive and appealing
as well as appropriate for the industry and the target
audience. It is also the job of the Web designer to make the
site functional and user-friendly. People who choose this
STEM career may work as a freelancer or for an employer such
as a Web design firm.
Web
Design Skills and Education
In
Web design, there are certain skills that a person will need
to master. One can begin developing these skills in middle
or high school in a STEM-related educational program. Others
may take a Web design course taught by a professional or at
a university or college. Some of these skills include
mastering graphics software used in Web design and
developing a basic understanding of coding languages that
can help in the design of a site, such as HTML, XHTML, CSS,
PHP, and Javascript. Employers often prefer candidates who
have a degree, preferably a bachelor's degree in a
Web-related field. In addition, developing a portfolio that
displays one's work is also crucial to beginning a paid
career in Web design.
|
