Designed to help educators and policymakers consider the effective use of currently-evolving distance learning technologies, this policy brief examines: (1) the need for distance learning; (2) the most promising combinations of technologies (two-way television, one-way television with audio return, and audiographics); (3) the cost-effectiveness of these three technology systems; (4) actual projects using these three systems; and (5) the issues of policy implementation that districts and states are likely to encounter. Inserts report on current applications of distance education in Arizona, California, Nevada, and Utah. (8 references) (GL)