Imagine that the year is 1985. The nationwide implementation of telecommunications technology has caused dramatic changes in the use of television in the past 15 years since the 1970's. These changes were initiated when cable television was expanded into the large cities and sets were connected to neighborhood centers which had a channel capacity of up to 200 and large cassette libraries. Two-way instructional television began in 1973 with the use of a simple touch-tone pad connected to a computer at the other end. Then, in 1974, with the implementation of six pilot programs which used large capacity cable television systems in conjunction with the touch-tone pad, coupled with rapid expansion of video cassette players and governmental interest, a system was developed which allowed television sets to be used as computer terminals. By 1980, the telecommunications system was well-developed, and made preschool, supplementary, and continuing education available. Now, in 1985, communication satellites are being used to interconnect three overlapping cable television systems (national, regional, and local), and to provide low cost, 24-hour service to all areas. (SH)