A computer system using interactive videodisc was developed and used by the American Heart Association to teach nursing students and others cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Two studies were made of the use of the system. Between September 1982 and April 1983, 48 participants received CPR instruction by interactive videodisc and 51 by traditional methods. No significant difference was found in skill tests of the two groups of students. A second study was conducted to determine how long it would take to learn and be certified through the videodisc program. Three groups totaling 96 students established times to learn the procedures. Three key implications can be seen for nursing education as a result of using videodisc instruction: (1) further study needs to be made of individual learning differences and suitability to the videodisc mode; (2) time to learn is not a clear predictor of performance and varying student approaches need to be accounted for; and (3) the similar mean times of students learning alone or in groups suggest possibilities for cost effectiveness. (KC)