Designed to aid local educators as they formulate plans to use distance learning as a strategy for providing effective educational experiences, this resource guide provides an introduction to telecommunication-based distance education technologies and guidelines for their implementation. The first of six sections discusses the rationale for distance learning and lessons learned from educators' experiences with telecommunications. The second section discusses instructional television, noting that it is a distance learning tool that is already largely available to schools. Sections three through five discuss satellite broadcasting of live or taped instruction, Instructional Television Fixed Service (ITFS) delivery of live or taped materials, and audio-teleconferencing. Section summaries highlight the advantages and disadvantages of the different technologies with respect to the issues of interaction, flexibility, and programs, and applications are illustrated by descriptions of sample programs in Alaska, Florida, Kentucky, Minnesota, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, and Wisconsin. The final section suggests a strategy for implementation of these technologies. Reference lists are provided at the end of each section. (RP)