The Open Learning Institute (OLI) is both an academic institution offering distance education courses and a publishing house for developing and producing distance education course materials. OLI has no resident faculty, but draws science content experts (course writers and consultants) from other academic institutions. The development process begins with determination of the need for a particular science course such as biology, identification of a prospective course writer and consultant, and assignment of a course designer, who coordinates development and production of new courses or revision of existing courses. The designer participates in initial meetings to explain contract terms, the OLI approach, and development procedures; and assists the course writer in constructing a blueprint that delineates the entire course scope and content. Courses are produced in modular booklets called units, with manuscripts submitted individually following formal approval of the first unit by the consultant and OLI. Once course material submission, editing, and design work is completed and approved, the course is submitted for production, which follows a general pattern for science courses, though frequent revisions may be necessary. The OLI is beginning to integrate computer technology into course activities and development procedures. (LMM)