Communication as the Foundation of Distance Education
http://english.ttu.edu/kairos/7.2/binder.html?sectionone/brooks
  peer-reviewed

Brooks, Robert F.
Kairos
2002

Abstract:

Communication plays a vital role in learning, not only with respect to expository and discussion methods of instruction, but at a more consequential level in the development of higher mental processes through acquiring and learning to manipulate symbols. This has been so at least since the early days of Greek society where education of the citizen primarily was concerned with the ability to express oneself in a thoughtful manner in order to develop a better society. Isocrates, one of the first Western educators, stressed the relevance of speech in sharpening thought and judgment; his emphasis on the relationship between education and speaking well became the standard throughout the ancient Western world.