Facts, Facts and More Facts!

After completing the reading assignment, I realized that there were many new facts included in the reading. In fact, it was difficult to decide which new facts to list.

1. Distance learning is more than 100 years old! With roots in adult education and independent study, distance learning was started with print and transportation in correspondence education. Independent study is actually a foundational concept of our contemporary distance learning system. Although I never considered it, distance learning has always been based from a physical science view although it should be considered from a social science viewpoint.

2. Some interesting statistics:
• A 1960 study found that there was no significant differential effect on retention when comparing face-to-face and distance learning.
• IN 1960, a study determined that there was no significant difference between learning from Instructional TV, ITV, and traditional classroom learning. Both were effective and efficient.
• A 1967 study found that there was no significant statistical difference between learning achievement in traditional classrooms vs. distance learning.
• A 1975 study found that younger students learn more from TV that older students.

3. Some interesting US History:
• Andrew Jackson, the seventh president of the United States, Challenged and encouraged Americans to use correspondence study. He wanted the common man and woman to take charge of their lives and their own learning. He guaranteed education access to all who desired it. This was called Jacksonian Democracy.
• In 1962 the TelStar Communications Satellite was launched. Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson's picture was broadcast from the East coast of the United States to Europe; it was considered the first phone teleconference.
• In 1970 the US Army Training and Doctrine Command used correspondence education operating the largest US Post Office in the United States.