This paper discusses instructional design for distance education. The first section summarizes principles of instructional design systems, including the systematic process, considerations related to planning for instruction, and issues associated with the separation of the instructor and students. Issues to address in the planning process are discussed in the second section, including who the learners are, what the essential content is, and what teaching strategies and media to use. The third section addresses the learning environment, focusing on technology and resources. How to determine the quality of the instruction is considered in the final section, including reflection on the action or activity and examining the instructional event in terms of what worked. (MES)