Written from the perspective that the technology available for language study can be better used, a discussion of television use in second language instruction looks at imaginative uses of the medium for a variety of instructional purposes. The first section identifies opportunities for the use of television, including: as a motivator; in teaching grammar and composition; in listening comprehension practice; in conversation practice; in pronunciation practice; for teaching literature; and for teaching nonverbal elements of communication (context, kinesics, and culture). Examples of specific classroom activities used successfully are offered, often with support in language teaching theory. The second section describes exemplary approaches to televised language instruction for German, English (second language), and Spanish instruction at universities around the United States, including the University of California at Santa Barbara, the University of Minnesota, American University, and the University of Illinois. A third section outlines possible delivery systems for televised materials. Further classroom research on the use of video technology in language teaching is recommended. (MSE)