The role of instructional television (ITV) in elementary and secondary education is assessed, beginning with an overview of the history of the medium from the first experimental educational broadcasts in 1933 to the present. Research in the area is reviewed, and three primary methods of evaluation are identified: (1) basic research, which measures the effects of a medium or its varied aspects on an intended audience; (2) formative evaluation, which is intended specifically to assist those responsible for the creation of new program material; and (3) impact studies, which analyze the effectiveness of programs or series after a period of actual use. ITV issues for the future and the activities of the ITV Futures Planning Group are also discussed. (12 references) (MES)