Although computers are used for administrative purposes and for grading in correspondence course programs throughout the United States, there has been little application to date of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) in these programs. A survey was sent to 899 former students in Indiana University's high school independent study program to determine (1) to what extent various types of hardware are available to students in homes and schools; (2) what percentage have had experience with CAI; (3) how students react to CAI in general and to CAI in independent study courses in particular; and (4) what preferences students might have for implementation of CAI in independent study. Responses on the 81 questionnaires returned (9%) indicate that there would be ample interest in CAI if the computer were used to present material that is difficult to present clearly in paper and print. Students also indicate that they would be interested in CAI only if it did not cause substantial price increases in courses and textbook materials. It was concluded that the most efficient way to implement CAI in a distance learning environment would be to create software on microcomputer disk to supplement material presented in textbooks, workbooks, and learning guides. Due to the changing nature of computer technology, it is recommended that independent study programs experiment with CAI on a small-scale basis, and monitor these courses carefully to obtain information that could be used to facilitate a full-scale CAI effort in the future. The questionnaire is appended. (MES)