Three Things I Didn't Know about Distance Education

After reading "An Introduction to Distance Education and eLearning" by Dr. Saba, I found the following three facts to not only new to be, but scintillating as well:

1. The information regarding the government having to withdraw support due to illicit and fraudulent practices in the 1950's was insightful and has given some light as to why only now, mostly via the Internet, is distance learning growing in credibility and accessibility. The damage this sanction has caused has unabatedly cast doubt as to the effectiveness and reliability of distance courses.

2. For the most part, aside from rare "correspondence schools," distance learning seemed somewhat new. To learn that radio was used for distance studies as early as the 1920's was compelling, and important to note is the criticism and skepticism its effectiveness suffered even in its inception

3. I enjoyed the history of the "Telecommunications Revolution"-- starting with the launch of the Telstar satellite in 1962 and how this paved the way for advances and opportunities in educational television. Of note was now qualified teachers could reach areas in need of their services-- and no longer was a campus confined to its boundaries.