The New Jersey Department of Education, as part of its goal to modernize its learning environments, has established a Distance Learning Network Aid program. The program supplies funding to school districts to participate in a statewide technological network system designed to support achievement of the state's Core Curriculum Content Standards. This document provides guidelines to assist local districts and county coordinating councils in developing their distance learning plans. The first section addresses the educational specifications in the classroom design that reflect a technology-rich learning environment. The design and review processes and the organization of the educational specifications are discussed. The second section presents guidelines for modernizing learning environments with educational technology. The final section details the new areas of school activity created when a technology infrastructure is adopted, including the use of instructional television, media centers, TV production facilities, and distance learning. Appendices provide an sample of an educational specifications form, a glossary of communications technology terms, a clarification of electronic communication systems terms, specifications on wiring and classroom diagrams, and a study supplement program and recommendations. (GR)