Yet even with the appropriate coursework, the road to financial success as an author is still challenging and competitive. But judging from the millions of books bulging to capacity on library shelves, it is obvious that quite a few authors are able make a living crafting the written word.

For example, highly-acclaimed author Amy Tan has achieved tremendous success as a writer – in her early years as a business and technical writer, then later as a writer of novels. And soon, she will be honored in a way that few writers ever experience.

Amy Tan’s best-selling book, The Bonesetter’s Daughter, debuts on September 13th as a world premiere production of the San Francisco Opera. The story of the difficult relationship between a Chinese immigrant and her Chinese American daughter has captivated the reading public; and now the intriguing tale is live onstage with singers, Chinese acrobats and a full orchestra. Tan, who holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in English and linguistics, also wrote the libretto for the opera.

Previously, Tan’s book, The Joy Luck Club, was adapted into a critically-acclaimed movie; and Tan co-authored the screenplay. The book remained on the New York Times bestseller list for 75 weeks, according to Turner Classic Movies. The movie was a hit at the box ofice. 

Amy Tan did her homework as a writer by earning a bachelor’s and master’s degree from a traditional college. But today, an online bachelor’s degree in English, journalism, linguistics, business communications or liberal arts studies is a flexible way to earn the credentials and skills that are so helpful for budding writers.

As e-learning students, writing hopefuls learn the foundational rules and fundamental mechanics of composition, English grammar, English literature, and poetry. Students also study the best of world literature in order to critique and understand how the greats placed their thoughts on paper in a unique and compelling way.

A number of accredited online schools offer college degrees that prepare graduates for the excellence that is generally required in the world of editors, writers and the expectant public. Students schedule their study time to accommodate full-time jobs, family responsibilities, physical limitations, travel and high gas prices.

Although preparation for the writing life is not without hard work, the payoff down the road is often fulfilling, as the abililty to write with excellence brings enlightenment, joy and creativity to others.

Amy Tan is certainly a testament to that. 

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But there is also an interesting phenomenon that takes place:  Adult learners return to school in droves.

Colleges and universities all over the country report increased fall enrollment. As traditional and online schools dust off the cobwebs of a laid-back summer, this time they also prepared for the onslaught of adult learners enrolling on-campus and in online degree programs.

There are several reasons that enrollment in higher education increases during an economic crisis:

• People realize that what they have been doing to survive is not working anymore.
• They watch those with multiple skills and higher education being selected by companies to remain, while others lose their jobs.
• Some who lose their jobs suddenly have the time to return to school. 
• Distance learning and technology have opened up new options to pursue higher education without losing income.

TImes are tough for so many; but others have it all figured out. Go back to school, earn a college degree, make more money — voila!

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Forty-six percent of voters believe that Obama is supportive of public education, in contrast to only twenty-nine percent who feel the same way about McCain. This poll is significent because in the past two presidential elections, no candidate stood out over another with respect to education issues.

Although both presidential candidates have voiced support of public schools, Obama has spoken emphatically throughout his political career about improving public education and increasing opportunities for low-income students.

In her speech during the Democratic National Convention, Michelle Obama succinctly stated her husband’s position on education by stating that he supports “a world class education (for every child) from preschool through college“.

Obama has also worked toward this end during his Senate years. He was instrumental in passing the recent Higher Education Act that raised the maximum Pell Grant award to $5,100; and he introduced a bill to provide federal funding for summer learning opportunities for children.

Barack Obama supports:

• a quality education for every student, regardless of background, race or class,
• free or affordable college for every high school graduate,
• increased federal financial aid for lower-income college students,
• preparation for a college-track education for every child available through Head Start programs,
• tax credits for families who are paying college tuition.
• equipping and supporting poor and/or rural public school districts
• additional training and higher wages for public school teachers.

Obama says that his interest is in advancing public education programs that will help U.S. students compete in the world, which will also increase individual economic success. Although he has not specifically addressed online degree programs or online schools , Obama’s stand on education issues indicates that he will support the high-tech distance learning strategies that have revolutionized and advanced learning opportunities for all students.

McCain has been slower in voicing his education platform; though he will certainly make his position clear during the Republican National Convention next week and as the presidential race draws closer to Election Day.

The Gallup Organization’s poll on the Public’s Attitides Toward the Public Schools was co-conducted by Phi Delta Kappa International, an international association of professional educators.  

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Grand Canyon University may just fit the bill. And Forbes Magazine agrees.

The slogan, “Don’t Miss A Day of Your Future“, highlights the mission of Grand Canyon University (GCU). This unique institution of higher education — which is based in Phoenix, Arizone – offers academically solid, reputable online degree programs in a wide array of concentrations — especially nursing, business, health sciences, and education. Tuition is quite reasonable for undergraduate programs and for most graduate programs.

Even though the roots and orientation of the GCU campus are Baptist Christian, dating back to 1946, its religious heritage has no bearing on the admissions process or selection of new online degree students. All eligible applicants are welcome to apply and take advantage of the varied career disciplines. Christian-based electives are available to both e-learning and campus-based students. 

A couple of specialized offerings at CGU include a Master of Science degree in Executive Fire Service Leadership for upwardly mobile firefighters  and a Bachelor of Science degree with a concentration in Entrepreneurial Studies for those interested in starting their own business. In addition to the many other online degree programs, Grand Canyon’s e-learning programs include online bachelor’s degrees in Christian Leadership and Christian Studies.

CGU’s parent company, Grand Canyon Education Inc. recently filed registration paperwork with the Securities and Exchange Commission to become a publicly-traded company. So investors may want to take note; since online education companies have become rising stars in the stock market.

Grand Canyon University is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, which includes the Higher Learning Commission. It is also accredited or approved by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education.

Explore the possibilities at Grand Canyon University and gain far more than a college degree. Just look for the lighted pathway.

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Currently, a shortage of math and science teachers is prevalent in junior high and high schools across the nation. 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics regarding teaching jobs, there are  ” . . . particularly good prospects for teachers in high-demand fields like math, science, and bilingual education . . . ”

In answer to this need for specialized teachers, one of America’s favorite universities, Western Governors University (WGU), has expanded its degree offerings for those aspiring to be science teachers.  WGU is the only online school accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).  

For those who aspire to teach biology, chemistry, physics, general science, or earth science, Western Governors University offers a panacea of flexible, competency-based online degree programs using the latest in distance-learning technology.

Western Governors University now offers 10 accredited science education degrees at bargain-basement costs. And the undergraduate tuition of $2,890 for each 6 months is among the lowest tuition of any 4-year university in the U.S.

However, quality has not been compromised in this non-profit school’s quest to provide the training necessary for tomorrow’s science teachers.

WGU was founded by the governors of 19 states and continues to uphold the high academic standards that have ruled the school since its inception. It is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, a major accrediting agency that is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education.

It is also supported by 20 major corporations — including Google, Zions Bank, Hewlett Packard, AT&T, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Microsoft, Oracle, Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, J.Willard and & Alice S. Marriott Foundation, Dell Computer, Hospital Corporation of America, Qwest and Sun Microsystems.

According the the National Education Association (NEA), the average teacher’s salary in California is $59,345 per year; and beginning salaries are approximately $37,645. Like most states, there is a shortage of science teachers.

Western Governors University is in an e-learning league of its own – exhibiting the unusual combination of a high quality education with low tuition rates.

So remember, now is the time to pounce on this opportunity to combine science and teaching into a fulfilling and rewarding career.

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As some children walk to neighborhood schools; others board buses that transport them to another year of possibilities.

College students snake through long lines to buy textbooks, have pictures taken for I.D. cards and pay for parking passes.

However, online degree students have discovered a new way to begin the school year — a much calmer way. Those who chose the online school route can relax and handle their final enrollment details and purchase of books with just a few clicks of their computer keys.

Of course, a student parking pass is not necessary for e-learning students; nor is concern about the cost of gas, new tires or auto repairs related to the extra travel miles that usually come with the traditional college and university territory. For distance learning students who study at home, the costs of attending school are generally confined to tuition, books and any other classroom materials.

If you are interested in how to choose an online degree program or how to experience success in online learning, you many find our Quick Online Student Guide to be invaluable.  

An advantage of online schools is their flexible application and enrollment process; so even as you hear school bells ringing in the distance, remember there is still time to make plans to further your education this fall.

But don’t procrastinate – the sooner you begin, the sooner you will be able to attain your educational goals and feel the wonderful sense of accomplishment that you will have earned.

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Packed to the gills due to high gas prices and changing times, online schools and e-learning classes are making waves. Unprecedented student enrollment in distance learning courses has grabbed headlines as colleges and universities gird up for increased demand borne out of economic concerns.

High numbers of job layoffs, an increase in outsourcing, exorbitant transportation costs, and a crisis among banking institutions — all have contributed to an increased interest in distance learning.

The opportunity to work a full-time job to maintain a steady income stream while completing college coursework has clinched the deal for many.  

Adult learners lead the pack of online enrollees as technological advances fine-tune the delivery of course information and ease the jobs of e-learning teachers. These students are particularly motivated to succeed in their online associate’s degree, online bachelor’s degree or online professional certificate programs.

However, only a limited number of e-learners will be able to fill the finite number of slots available in online schools and traditional schools this fall.  Each year, the numbers of those slots have increased and are expected to continue to do so.

Yes, other stories may be filling newspapers; but distance learning is also earning its share of kudos. And millions of students enrolled in online classes this fall are among those experiencing an innovative way to study — a way that may rule the future of higher education.  

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According to a feature article in Newsweek Magazine, over 4 million students will enroll in online classes this fall. Both online schools and traditional online degree programs have already reported a significant increase in e-learning enrollment over the summer.

The increase is up from the 3.2 million online students reported for fall 2006 by the Sloan Foundation.  Reasons for the positive change in numbers include an increased desire by students for more flexibility and the desire to save gas.

Students love not having to show up on campus for their online classes. Instead, they access live or archived lectures using their computers at home, in the dorm or anywhere an Internet connection or WiFi hotspot is available.

By choosing distance learning classes, many college and university students save as much as several hundred dollars on gas during the school term.

As cutting-edge students are learning, a cup of soothing beverage, a computer and no driving sure hits the spot.  

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 Governor Bob Riley’s announcement last month – that every Alabama high school would offer distance-learning classes beginning this fall – offers a cutting-edge solution to the problem of students being limited to their particular school’s course offerings.

Beginning this fall, whether a student attends a rural high school with limited funds or a wealthy big-city school, he or she will be able to choose from a wider choice of courses. With e-learning classes now providing equal access to a high-quality education, the option to attend the best colleges and universities is available to all Alabama high schoolers.

The program, known as ACCESS, utilizes advanced distance-learning technology to provide an enhanced learning environment for each course. Teachers and students will be able to both view and communicate with one another in real-time.

Approximately 30,000 students are expected to be served through the ACCESS program.

Although AP classes are generally limited at individual schools, students will be able to enroll in courses offered at different high schools throughout Alabama. As a result, while some students physically attend a class, others will view the class via computers, web-cams and other video-conferencing technology.

This statewide investment in the lives of young people should elevate Alabama far ahead of the pack among public education systems. Although students benefit first, the state of Alabama will reap the future rewards of its innovative foresight and willingness to designate several million dollars to insure the program’s success.

Approximately 30,000 students are expected to be served through the ACCESS program during 2009-2010.

Students who are exposed to this high-tech distance-learning solution will transition easily to accredited online degrees as an option for the years after high school. They will be able to navigate the latest computer-related innovations to avoid sacrificing jobs, apprenticeships or resume-building opportunities in order to attend college. 

Alabama’s endorsement of distance-learning as a valuable tool for education has already been embraced — to a limited degree – by numerous elementary, junior high and high schools across the country. 

Still, Alabama is an innovator and a model for other states to follow. Way to go Alabama!

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And even though college students are wading deeper into online degree waters, both traditional and online schools are feeding the frenzy by developing new distance learning offerings every day.

Because of this feeding frenzy, it may be wise for everyone to pay attention to these e-learning trends:.

1. Online degree programs and online schools will continue to experience a significant growth in enrollment, eventually surpassing the demand for traditional on-campus programs. Depending on the career focus, some online degree programs will be blended – incorporating online classes with one or more face-to-face sessions and/or practical training experience.
2. Tech-savvy high school graduates will balk at the traditional college experience and will favor technology-rich online degree programs in order to enjoy travel opportunities, grab a head start on careers or to earn money for college expenses.
3. Distance-learning programs in elementary, junior high and high schools will become a normal part of the curriculum landscape as school districts unearth unique learning opportunities for students that are unavailable through traditional classroom media.
4. As education technology fine tunes the delivery system for distance learning, the required training for future classroom teachers will include several classes on how to utilize distance-learning technology to enhance the learning experiences of students. Continuing education classes for teachers will offer a goldmine of courses related to online learning.
5. The demand will heat up for qualified instructors to teach online classes. These jobs will be snapped up like hotcakes as teachers discover the flexibility of being able to schedule their own time and work from home or from any location with an Internet connection.  
6. Most future employers will treat accredited online school graduates the same as traditional school graduates during hiring, as long as the necessary qualifications for the job are met. In fact, a significant number of employers will have successfully completed at least one online college class, with many holding online degrees themselves.
7. Traditional colleges will continue to pour millions of dollars into expanding their online course offerings due to growing student demand. Colleges and universities that ignore the vital role of distance learning will watch their enrollment numbers decrease, as students flock to schools that utilize the latest technology and teaching methods.
8. Stock market investors will discover that financially-successful online education companies remain a hot commodity with steady growth.
9. High transportation costs will influence the changing face of a college education. As distance learning becomes a key player in removing cars and drivers off the road to save gas, the conservation of energy and reduction of pollution will reign as all-important. Millions of students will choose to ‘go green’ and study at home.
10. Online education will increase options and opportunities for physically disabled students who are intellectually able to successfully complete online degree programs or professional certificate coursework. This group of graduates will continue to shine as a vital part of the workforce, with the ability to compete for well-paying jobs and earn an independent living.

Those who have an ear to hear will be able to take note of future trends and make plans accordingly. Online education, although just a piece of the life puzzle, is a piece worth watching. 

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