The findings and recommendations of the United States Education and Instruction through Telecommunications (USE IT) project are presented. USE IT assessed the relationship of distance learning to the nation's educational needs, especially its role in achieving the National Education Goals. USE IT examined all levels of education, prekindergarten through adult continuing education and worker training. Issues critical to any distance learning planning and implementation are addressed: access to learning technologies; training and outreach; partnerships between public and private sectors; statewide and multistate technology applications; and federal action for distance learning. This report is designed to inform decisions on local and state distance learning strategies and to help shape the use of the National Information Infrastructure (NII). Two distinct trends form the backdrop: (1) the confluence of three major forces that are shaping society--information and telecommunications technologies, a globally competitive economy, and the changing needs of the workplace; and (2) an unprecedented, decade-long commitment to education reform that seeks to move America from being "a nation at risk" to being a model of world-class education. Telecommunications technologies, their advantages and disadvantages are discussed: broadcasting; satellites; cable; telephone; microwave/Instructional Television Fixed Services (ITFS); wireless; and computer networking. Barriers to information technology use in distance education are examined: incompatibility of technical systems; insufficient use of available resources; costs of technology; regulatory barriers; training people to use distance-learning technologies; course accreditation; cost and accounting systems; institutional structures; programming quality; and awareness and acceptance. Policy issues and strategies to better provide education services using telecommunications and learning technologies for distance learning are reviewed. Appendices include: abbreviations; related reports and studies; federal and state agency contacts; and a glossary of terms. Twenty-seven individuals are listed as resources. (Contains 83 references.) (Author/MAS)