A descriptive evaluation is presented that considers several distance-education courses in Nevada, all of which use compressed video. The performances and attitudes of distance-education students are compared in general terms with those of students in regular classes. Programs evaluated in this preliminary investigation include nursing courses from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, which is linked to Northern Nevada Community College and three distance-education courses. Access to library reference materials is a problem recognized at these sites and at the University of Kentucky, where evaluations of distance education have been more extensive. Other issues explored include classroom interaction with and access to the instructor and the physical arrangements of classrooms and technology. Distance education in Nevada is in its infancy in terms of the developing technologies, effective teaching techniques, and fulfilling student needs, but it offers great promise for reaching rural areas and educating those who cannot leave their home communities. (SLD)