As excited college students prepare to move into campus dorms, they look forward to meeting new roommates, fitting all their belongings into half of a dorm room and registering for classes.

They are not concerned about catching the flu.

That job belongs to health officials at the Centers for Disease Control who are, indeed, concerned.

Even as students and parents prepare to lug heavy boxes into dorm rooms all over the nation, the Centers for Disease Control epidemiologists are working feverishly to head off the potentially serious consequences of a fast-moving, unpredictable — yet still mild — flu virus.

The H1N1 virus, known as the swine flu, has already struck 43,771 Americans in confirmed cases (as of 7-24-09) and continues to move rapidly throughout the population during this unusual summer season. Normally, the summer is not a part of flu season.

Some CDC officials estimate the numbers of flu cases to be closer to a million; since most people who contract the current strain of H1N1 are not tested for it and are able to recover without serious complications.

But the scenario may change in the fall, when school children and college students cluster again together in close quarters.

Although there are only 302 confirmed deaths in the U.S. from the H1N1 virus (as of 7-24-09), the strain is poised to mutate into a more dangerous flu virus that could cause tens of thousands of deaths if not averted.

However, there are preventative steps that may limit serious repercussions of the swine flu:

• Distributing antiviral drugs as needed,
• Students opting for online classes, online schools and online degree programs instead of on-campus classes that force them to be exposed to sick people,
• Educating the public about what to do if they become sick with the swine flu,
• Avoiding crowds when sick or if in a high risk category, like having asthma or a compromised immune system,
• Washing hands frequently to help prevent becoming sick with the flu,
• Covering the nose and mouth with a clean tissue when sneezing or coughing,
• Contacting a doctor if experiencing high fevers or breathing difficulties.

Flu season came early this year, with a head start on the students who will soon begin their college or university studies.

But those who opt for online education may find solace in the opportunity to study in the comfort and safety of their flu-free homes.

antiviral drugs, antiviral drugs, cdc, college, epidemiologist, flu season, h1n1 virus, online degree programs, online schools, students, summer season, swine flu

Popularity: 7% [?]

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A brand new group of educational benefits arrive on August 1st, 2009, for military personnel who served a tour of duty after September 11th, 2001.

This financial windfall covers major expenses for post 9/11 soldiers and former soldiers who return to school to pursue a college degree or vocational certificate.

The Post 9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008 provides financial aid and support to active-duty military personnel and veterans who enroll in accredited online schools, traditional colleges and universities, and vocational schools.

Students will receive all or a portion of the costs for tuition, housing and books if they meet the selective eligibility criteria.

For eligible military members and veterans, the benefits will cover:

• Full tuition up to the amount of the most expensive public college in the applicant’s state,
• $1,000 a year stipend for books & supplies (for veterans only),
• a monthly housing allowance equal to the basic allowance paid to a military E5 with dependents (for veterans only),
• Tutorial assistance or up to $2,000 for one licensing or certification test,
• The option, for some, to transfer these educational benefits to dependents.

Eligibility requirements for the new education benefits apply to those applicants:

• who are still serving in the military or were honorably discharged after serving at least 90 consecutive active-duty days following 9/11;
• who were released from active duty into a branch of the military reserves following 90 consecutive days of active duty after 9/11; or
• who were honorably discharged after 30 consecutive active-duty days following a service-connected disability.

Additional criteria may apply; but students may enroll in military-approved online degrees, online vocational and certificate programs, and traditional college, university and vocational programs.

Costs incurred before August 1st, 2009, are not eligible for these particular benefits.

Benefits remain active for 15 years following the eligible military tour of duty and are payable for up to 36 months for those who meet all of the necessary criteria.

For further information, check out the Department of Veterans Affairs website.

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Popularity: 7% [?]

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Summer has arrived; and adult learners may be wondering how to take a cheap vacation without skipping a beat in online classes.

Thankfully, the travel industry is happy to oblige by offering great deals on just about everything. Still, cruising may be among the best ways to save money on a vacation while continuing with online degree studies.

For the price of gas, food, a couple of nights in a mid-range hotel and activities, e-learners and their families or friends could sail away on the vacation of a lifetime.

Just check out these facts about cruising to an online degree:

1. The costs for a 4-day cruise this summer begin as low as $184 per person (before taxes and fees) from Florida, New Orleans or Long Beach, according to today’s 90-day ticker from Vacations to Go, a  website that lists the best cruise deals, especially last-minute bargains. Additional special discounts may apply for past passengers and those over age 55.
2. Cruise costs cover a bundle – ship transportation to exotic ports, 24-hour food, some beverages, lavish entertainment for adults and children, room service, twice-daily cabin cleaning and more.
3. For 4 people staying in the same cabin, the 3rd and 4th persons pay just a fraction of the full fare, generally between 40-60% less. This is a kid-friendly deal for families, but also works well for family gatherings, friends and co-workers.
4. Onboard credits are free money that is offered by travel agents, credit card companies or the cruise line. These are valuable because they are applied to the onboard account and may cover tipping fees, excursions, alcoholic drinks, shopping or other additional costs. A good travel agent can help explore this option.
5. Most ports can be explored without purchasing expensive excursions from the ship. A good guide book from the library can give excellent tips about saving money while seeing the sights on your own.
6. Most ships offer onboard Internet cafes and designated public WiFi hotspots. Some ships, like the new Celebrity Solstice series, offer data ports for Internet access in individual cabins, which is great for online students. Some Princess ships offer the use of individual laptops for the duration of the cruise on a first-come, first served basis. Discounted Internet plans offer cheaper rates then paying by the minute.
7. To save money on Internet rates, online students may opt to gather web research ahead of time. Then on the ship, they can work offline and connect to the Internet only to turn in assignments or email instructors.
8. Tipping is generally not mandatory on the ship; although there are suggested amounts per day to cover cabin stewards, waiters, head waiters, and other staff. Even when the tipping fees are automatically deducted from the onboard account, passengers may raise or lower the tipping amount at their own discretion. However, after observing how diligently the staff works on their behalf, the suggested tips — totaling about $10 per adult passenger per day — often appear to be reasonable to most cruisers.
9. The 3,634-passenger ship, Independence of the Seas, not only provides extensive Internet access, it also offers rock-climbing, a water park, a surf park, ice skating, youth clubs, a full-size boxing ring and sports court, miniature golf, a fitness center, a casino, shopping — plus a multitude of other diversions for those who need extra study time to devote to online classes while family or friends literally dive into the fun onboard.
10. Retirees, homeschooling families and others may find deeper discounts in the fall and winter, as vacationers return to school and jobs. And most cruises that are more than 90 days off usually require only a modest down payment, with the balance due at a later date. Also, bargains extend to world cruises and, amazingly, an online student could travel the world by sea while earning an online degree.

Of course, it is important to ask questions during booking about cancellation policies, passport requirements, taxes, port fees, the minimum travel age for an infant, and what is covered or not covered in cruise fees.

Still, cruising is a wonderful opportunity for online degree students to enjoy a vacation and stay on track with online school, In fact, it may be the perfect way to enhance one’s career while making loved ones happy.

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Popularity: 12% [?]

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Things may get a little easier for some laid-off workers, thanks to Western Governors University.

Adults who lost their jobs within the past 12 months may be eligible for up to $7,500 per person in scholarship money to return to school and work toward an accredited online bachelor’s or master’s degree.

The WGU Economic Turnaround Scholarships are based upon financial need, academic record and other criteria; and students must hurry to apply for the scholarships before the application deadline of June 30th, 2009.

The scholarship winners will be required to enroll in a Western Governors University online degree program in one of four areas: business, information technology, education or health professions (including nursing).

Western Governors University continues to rise to the top of the class in offering high quality accredited online degrees — without charging an arm and a leg in tuition.

Bargain-hunting students should be flocking to this school in droves (just as quickly as they are racing to buy the new $99 iPhone), simply because WGU offers one of the best values available today for those seeking online bachelor’s or master’s degrees.

Founded by the governors of 19 U.S. states and supported by over 20 major corporations and foundations, this competency-based online school is a model of excellence in higher education. The heartfelt mission of Western Governors University is to not only serve the greater community of adult learners, but to also insure access to higher education for first-generation college students, minorities, low-income students and those who are geographically beyond the reach of a local college or university.

Money for school is generally available through WGU’s financial aid office, even before and after these generous scholarships have been distributed. Federal grants and students loans are usually available year round to eligible students.

The WGU scholarships should fully cover the reasonable tuition for up to two and a half terms, long enough to earn an accredited online degree and to continue on the path to a new job, new career and new hope for the future.

For more information about the WGU Economic Turnaround Scholarships, click here.

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Popularity: 10% [?]

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The seed has been planted for the best teachers to see their salaries rise into a six-figure income.

According to the New York Times article, “Next Test: Value of $125,000 Teachers” (6-4-09), one new charter school believes so much in the value of excellent teaching that it recruited and hired a staff of well-trained, top-notch teachers at salaries of $125,000 each a year.

If this becomes a trend, many more students will pursue traditional and online degrees in education, filling up available teaching slots with highly-qualified personnel.

The charter school, known as the Equity Project, offers its teachers about twice the average salary of other public school teachers in New York. But the payoff in excellence is expected to be huge for the low-income students who were selected by a lottery to learn from this select group.

Sure, these teachers will earn their pay with long hours, larger class sizes and high expectations from their employers, but many teachers face the same scenario with much less pay.

If President Obama has his way, the best teachers in the U.S. will be rewarded in the future with higher pay and additional incentives. But opposing voices, including those of the National Teachers Association, may delay this benefit as the details of his education proposals are ironed out and reconfigured.

Still, if the Equity Project is successful, it may encourage other forward-thinking charter and public school administrators to implement the changes that insure a better learning experience for students and a pleasant job environment for teachers.

And since the Equity Project is accomplishing its goals on available public monies, similarly funded schools may be hard-pressed to find reasons to ignore its tacit challenge.

Higher pay for teachers will drive more college students toward careers in education, placing teaching high on the totem pole of lucrative professions. This will raise the bar for teaching positions, insuring that each student receives the best possible education. Accredited online degree programs allow those from other professions to switch to the education field while working to pay bills.

It may be awhile before teachers receive $125,000 across the board; but hats off to the Equity Project for highlighting those who daily pour so much into our children.

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Popularity: 8% [?]

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Recent techno-buzz indicates that Microsoft’s new Windows 7 program simplifies online tasks, utilizes fewer clicks and incorporates touch capability, or so says PC Magazine’s article, “Touching the Future” (4-30-09).

At the same time, 3G technology continues to increase the options available to multimedia cell phone users.

And somewhere in the mix, online degree students once again reap the benefits of improved distance learning technology.

In fact, e-learners enjoy a fresh menu of efficient ways to transmit homework, contact instructors and access online research sources.

But the rapid evolution of computer and cellular technology also strains networks like AT&T, Sprint and Verizon Wireless; because these and other companies face the monumental challenge of transmitting all of that information over telecommunication lines that are bulging with data overload.

According to Time Magazine’s article, “The Failure of 3G Hurts Apple and Its Competition” (5-11-09), the newest computing, cellular and mp3 technologies are rarely, if ever, fully experienced by consumers because of limitations in the underlying networks that carry data from their numerous sources to multi-billions of destinations.

And although the boon in online schools, online degree programs and online certificate programs has increased student use of the Internet, the culprits that jam transmission lines are often the latest technology devices used by the masses for “downloading and web-browsing”.

Consumers who purchase these information highway hogs may be disappointed when they attempt to use all of the promised multimedia features of their devices; yet e-learners continue to enjoy the fullness of technology that enhances their distance learning experience.

It will be interesting to see what happens when 4G and Microsoft 8 arrive on the scene one day. But maybe that is eons from now; and maybe the current problems will be nothing but a memory.

Just maybe.

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Popularity: 7% [?]

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Online degree students who are on the go will soon have another option for accessing the Internet.

A new device being released on May 17th will transform the space around its users into a personal Wi-Fi hot spot.

Those who are enrolled in online degree programs, online classes and online schools now have a new reason to love completing online college or university homework assignments conveniently on their computers.

The great search for a wireless Internet connection may soon be a moot point for those who ante up the $100 cost for the compact device (with subscription) or $270 (with no subscription, plus a fee each time it is used); because riding in a car, sitting in a park, or sunning on a beach will offer an efficient and effective connection to high-speed Internet.

The portable, battery-powered Novatel MiFi is considered to be a step above the current awkward cellular modems that plug into laptops on the go. Basically, with the new MiFi, a high speed Internet connection is available wherever Verizon has a cellular signal — and no plug-in is required. So if you can make phone calls from the back seat of a car, then you can also hop on the Internet with the MiFi.

According to PC Magazine, “Verizon Launches MiFi Hotspot Without Subscription” (5-7-09), the MiFi is a wireless router with a built-in cellular modem. It only has one button and is capable of providing an Internet connection simultaneously to a maximum of 5 computers within an approximate 30-foot range of the signal.

The New York Times article, “Wi-Fi to Go, No Cafe Needed” (5-6-09), anticipates that somewhere down the road, universal wireless will erase our memories of times past when wireless connections were expensive, limited and often undependable.

But until then, those who rely on the Internet for work, online degrees, or surfing the web can delight in the latest, greatest high-tech gadgets that make cyber-life just a little bit easier.

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Popularity: 8% [?]

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An article in today’s San Francisco Chronicle confirmed what we suspected: that education prevents crime.

The piece by Jill Tucker, entitled "Fewer dropouts could cut crime, save tax dollars ", is based upon research findings released last week by the California Dropout Research Project.

The bottom line is that as tough as times may be for people during this economic downturn, things may be even tougher for dropouts. Dropouts generally earn less money than graduates, they have fewer job options, and they are commonly overlooked with regard to promotions.

These factors could easily lead to frustration and dissatisfaction with life in general. And some may turn to crime.

There are many reasons that compel students to leave school - work, marriage, joining the military, boredom, learning problems, peer difficulties, apathy.

But there is hope for those in this situation. Many finish school by studying and passing the GED test, which is usually treated by employers and higher education institutions as the equivalent of a high school diploma. So those holding a GED certificate are eligible to apply for jobs that require a high school diploma; and they may also enroll in college.

Popular online GED preparation programs are a godsend for those who do not have the luxury of cutting job hours to attend on-campus classes. And after receiving the GED certificate, online degree programs are a great way to continue to move forward and  earn a college diploma as well.

Crime may be prevalent in a higher percentage of high school dropouts; but the remedy for that is simple: Students should stay in school at least through high school graduation.

And if it is too late for that, passing the GED test is the next best thing.

online GED , crime , college , dropout , GED prep , high school , job , online degrees , online degree program

Popularity: 7% [?]

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Everyone is clamoring for an end to the recession and its accompanying woes — including escalating unemployment, shrinking portfolios, sky-high foreclosure rates and vanishing credit.

But are you really ready for the coming economic recovery?

What Kind of Question is That?

Most of us consider that question to be a no-brainer. Of course we are ready to ride into the beautiful sunset again on our virile net worth and bulging status quo ante. Once again, we want to feel the invigorating breeze of a stable job with cool perks and flowing expense accounts.

And considering all we have been through, is that really so much to ask?

Perhaps not, but a lot depends on how the current economic climate has shaped, transformed and prepared each individual for a smooth ride to a new financial and employment reality.

Beat Anxiety . . . Be Proactive

Although anxiety over money matters is normal in the short-term, it can be debilitating. But those who actively prepare for economic recovery will have an advantage over others when jobs open up and employers ask the question: “So what have you done in the months, years since your last job?”

And they are going to want to see the evidence on your resume.

Ways to Move Ahead of the Line

Thankfully, while unemployed or underemployed, there are credible ways to prepare for the best future positions while leaving a resume paper trail.

• Volunteer. A volunteer works for free but also strengthens current job skills, learns new skills and networks at the same time. The satisfaction of working as a volunteer can bolster confidence and provide a measure of career satisfaction during a difficult time.
• Enroll in an online degree program. There are tens of thousands of e-learning choices; and the silver lining of a layoff may be the opportunity to go back to school and earn a college degree or certificate in a virtual classroom. In fact, this may be the best time to enroll in online schools and online degree programs. After all, less household income generally translates into increased eligibility for grants, scholarships and low-interest loans for college.
• Become a consultant. After leaving a job, take stock of your job experience and skills. You may be able to shop those skills to local businesses, or even back to former employers. Employers often lay off workers due to the high costs of salaries plus benefits. The same employer might be willing to pay more money per hour on a per-job basis for the same services, but without the burdensome price tag of payroll insurance, health insurance and retirement benefits. You may even win enough clients to consider a permanent change to being your own boss, while keeping job skills current in case you decide to reenter the job market.
• Remain current in your career field. It is important to glean nuggets of information from trade journals, technology magazines and forecasting sources in order to see the direction your industry or field is headed. A combination of spiraling technology and disruptive innovation is taking many careers into uncharted territory. If you have a heads up, you can prepare for it.

These strategies also help to balance the invisible time of looking for a job by filling in resume gaps.

The coming economic recovery may not look like our vision of what it should be. And being ready for it may involve a willingness to fit into new molds, not the anachronisms with which we became comfortable.

But with thoughtful planning and diligent preparation, that ride into the recovery sunset should be smoother, more beautiful and more satisfying than ever.

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Popularity: 6% [?]

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Ronald Reagan did it — so did Arnold Schwartzenegger, Clint Eastwood, Sonny Bono, and Shirley Temple Black. They were actors who became politicians.

And now Val Kilmer may want a piece of the action.

Speaking of action, we are talking about the same Val Kilmer who played Batman, Iceman (Top Gun) and Doc Holiday (Tombstone) on the big screen — three of his most memorable roles. And now he is sending out feelers about the possible role of governor of New Mexico in 2010.

Some may chuckle at the thought; but there are some pretty compelling reasons why a successful acting career might lend itself to politics. Here are seven of them:

1. Actors already have a connection with the public. Their movies reach millions of people; and many of us feel that we know something about them. So they have a head start in politics.
2. Actors know how to sell themselves. They are charming salespeople with a knack for manipulating the media and the public. They sell their movies on talk shows, on billboards and in print ads. Then we, their targeted buyers, reward them by showing up at movie theaters in droves.
3. Actors are excellent communicators. They are accustomed to studying and memorizing scripts, then projecting their voices while filming in front of an entire cast and crew. Giving speeches during a campaign is a piece of cake.
4. Actors look great. Their appearance is money in the bank for them in the movie business; and successful actors take great care of their bodies. Voters love a politician with substance and good looks — we call it the “whole package”. And some studies show that many employers tend to favor attractive job applicants.
5. Actors exude confidence, which gives John Q. Public confidence in them as well. Whatever they say, we want to believe them. After all, would Batman lie to us?
6. Actors have rich and powerful friends and acquaintances. And these friends help fund their campaigns, speak on their behalf, and get out the vote.
7. Actors are no stranger to patience, perseverance and hard work. After all, who can make it in the movie business without all of those qualities?

But what does all of this have to do with distance education or online schools?

To be honest, actors-turned-politicians are similar to adult learners who decide to enroll in school and begin a journey toward an online degree or professional certificate. Both are willing to choose a new path, take a risk, and learn new skills in an honorable pursuit.

It takes courage for the actor; and it takes courage for the adult e-learner.

Just one question: In the future, will it be President Val Kilmer? Who knows? But for now, let’s just take one step at a time.

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Popularity: 11% [?]

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