Educators often fail to implement improved teaching systems because they lack a method of choosing among instructional alternatives. The Rand Coporation is developing for the Air Force a means--called Method of Designing Instructional Alternatives (MODIA)--whereby instructors can select a preferred instructional system. Using MODIA, one begins by designating the personnel to be equipped with defined skills and by identifying the training requirements and instructional objectives. Instruction is planned, implemented, and validated. The first step involves the specification of inputs, including instructional plans, teaching strategies and learner characteristics. System design proceeds by linking instructional strategies to curriculum units, by developing configurations of personnel, media and facilities, by charting student flow through the course, and by analyzing the cost of each component. The results of a completed design cycle using MODIA for design and cost analysis of an innovative Air Force course are presented as an illustration of the method. (PB)