This book provides information supplemental to the accompanying videotape regarding the implementation and use of two-way, full-motion interactive television. Based on a study conducted by the Southwest Educational Development Laboratory, "Local Heroes" describes in detail how citizens have implemented the technology in small rural schools and communities in southwestern states and provides guidelines for implementing such technology. Six sections contain an overview of the role of rural schools as a focal point for the community and the role of telecommunications in preserving rural schools by providing services comparable to those in urban communities; an analysis of the technology; a "Getting Started" section, which goes from defining the primary need to bolster the curriculum, through working with the local phone company, to discussing the importance of the teacher to the success of the technology; guidelines and suggestions for implementation; a prototype detailing procedures for implementing full-motion interactive video in small rural schools; and a narrative depiction and history of six projects in the states of New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. Appendices discuss existing research and give further details on the implementation process and the research methodology used. Contains 39 references. (TD)