Whether it's at a shopping mall or aboard a fishing vessel, the far-reaching impact of digital learning is on display in America.

The Desert Sun recently reported that an online college recently opened a storefront at a mall in California, allowing a school representative to talk with prospective students about the benefits of online courses. The website manager said that the new location encourages scholars to ask questions about how the program works.

The institution, which offers bachelor's and master's degrees, is accredited by the Western Association of Colleges, and its credits are fully transferable. The program's manager told the news provider that most of the students are working adults between the ages of 30 and 34. Classes are flexible and can be taken from the comfort of one's own home.

Online colleges do not just cater to the busy lives of students, as educators have also capitalized on the convenience of cyberspace. For example, 62-year-old Larry Flegle, is nicknamed the "fishing professor" because he can combine his two greatest passions: teaching and fishing.

Flegle has taught marketing management classes online for the last 11 years, which has allowed him to grade papers while embarking on fishing expeditions. He said that there are no boundaries to online learning. Flegle has led classes for schools in Hong Kong, India and England, and he has taught classes from 17 different states, five countries and while aboard ships at sea.

He said that, like classroom-based teaching, online instruction requires self-discipline and dedication. Educators must also have the ability to project their personality in the virtual classroom, Flegle added.

As online colleges continue to grow in popularity among students who are looking for cost savings and flexible schedules, the demand for web-based teachers is expected to increase. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that many colleges want their employees to hold a doctoral degree, and almost all institutions require a master's degree.

The BLS also states that the number of employment opportunities for postsecondary teachers are expected to grow by 15 percent over the next eight years, which is faster than the average rate for all occupations. The growing trend of adults returning to college is expected to create new positions in this field.

According to the bureau, the average salary for postsecondary educators is $58,830 per year.