An audiovisual teaching machine (AVTM) presents programed audio and visual material simultaneously to a student and accepts his response. If his response is correct, the machine proceeds with the lesson; if it is incorrect, the machine so indicates and permits another choice (linear) or automatically presents supplementary material (branching). The author feels that the technology for AVTMs is readily available and costs less than that for computer-assisted instruction or for educational television. He offers cost estimates for various AVTM options and suggests that a desirable AVTM would be small, light-weight, quiet, simple to load and operate; would adapt to battery or line power; would accept pushbutton, written, or oral answers; and would use a low-cost program format and sell for less than $100. In his review of programed instruction, he stresses the areas which are most relevant to the AVTM and details the unique features of writing programs for them. He gives practical suggestions for developing an appropriate program format and reviews the pros-and-cons of large screens, moving images, electronic-optical scanning methods, audio learning centers, and the computer-controlled AVTM. In conclusion he examines some of the reasons behind the lack of acceptance of this type of device. (JY)