A set of 31 articles has been organized to provide a basis for understanding instructional technology--the use of instructional methods as they are integrated into the total program system. Several major areas are examined: the social and cultural implications of technology; the characteristics of readily available audiovisual media and their associated materials; instructional systems concept; the theory of information storage and retrieval and techniques related to instructional technology; the influence of school plant design on the use of media; the effect of media and materials on the economics of instruction, and learning and communication theory as related to the use of media. Some of the more specifically discussed ideas are: educational films, multimedia instruction, school libraries, central data banks, computers and programed instruction, systems analysis and cybernetics concepts, equipment reliability, policy and decision making in education, and the impact of rapid technological change on our expectations in education. Some of the readings provide a bibliography. A subject index to all readings is appended. (JY)