Technology Is Changing Math Education In L.A.
The number of mathematical science occupations is projected to spike by 26 percent in the coming years. In Los Angeles, experienced mathematicians earn an average annual salary greater than $106,000, according to current data. Experts say it is the advent of technology that is bolstering a mathematician's prospect of securing a potentially lucrative vocation.
"Online and hybrid classes are creating enormous potential for alternate education paths and job-specific training programs," said Dr. Christopher Brown, Chair of the Mathematics Department at California Lutheran University. "At the high school and university levels, mathematics education may be shifting focus to prepare students for a future in which they frequently teach new mathematics to themselves and others by selecting material from a rich online world."
How is the need for tech-minded mathematicians progressing?
"The field of data science has had recent successes in a number of fields, from online services as Google, Amazon and Netflix, to sports and medical sciences. There is a large and increasing need for tech-savvy mathematicians who understand the mathematics, statistics and computing in data science problems."
How will a mathematician's role change by 2022?
"In education, mathematicians will be sorting out what the best uses of online and hybrid classes may be, what the role of traditional classroom experiences will be and how to integrate these experiences to provide successful degree programs."
What is the best way to prepare for a career?
"In addition to courses in mathematics, take sequences of courses in computer programming and statistics. Get some experience working on applications. Work on undergraduate research projects with faculty or work with a team on some of kaggle.com's data science problems."
What is your message to endeavoring mathematicians?
"Use your educational experiences to prepare yourself to be flexible in your career, because the role of the mathematician is likely to change rapidly in education and industry over the next few years. A traditional liberal arts education in mathematics, one that allows you some leeway in choosing electives in marketing, economics, engineering and the arts, will help you interface with any of the industries that employ the tech-savvy mathematician."
Sharon Raiford Bush is an award-winning journalist who covers topics of social interest in greater Los Angeles. Some news articles she has authored have been archived by the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC. Sharon also contributes to Examiner.com.
