The purpose of this study of modern communications technology in education is to present a systematic conceptual approach for analyzing instructional technology, to identify research and development priorities in less developed countries, and to formulate 26 high priority projects to be undertaken in the coming years. Chapter I summarizes the conceptual nature of living systems which is used throughout the document, and Chapter II describes living systems in the educational process. Problems related to the use of instructional technology are presented in Chapter III. Chapter IV presents a research and development chart employing the systems concepts discussed to show the relationships between the 26 high priority research projects, and the projects are outlined in detail in Chapter V. Throughout the study, nontechnical solutions to educational problems are excluded as are country-specified solutions and basic educational research. Emphasis is on both formal and nonformal education. (CH)