In remote and isolated schools where a certified teacher is not always available, or in small schools where limited student enrollments make hiring teachers for low incident courses cost-prohibitive, instruction via distance may be the "next best thing to being there." Several approaches are available: (1) satellite transmissions--the TI-IN Network in Texas, Oklahoma State University's Arts and Sciences Teleconferencing Service, Eastern Washington University's Satellite Telecommunications Educational Programming Network (STEP), and the SciStar Satellite series from the Talcott Mountain Science Center in Avon, Connecticut, are cited as examples; (2) two-way interactive television; (3) Instructional Television Fixed Service (ITFS); (4) audio-graphic teleconferencing; and (5) multi-media equipped buses for in-transit studying. Interested school administrators should consider initial equipment costs, annual subscription or programming fees, and maintenance/warranty contracts, and should contact others who have had success with distance learning, as well as their own state office of education. State-sponsored educational telecommunications networks are in operation or are being developed in Alaska, Kentucky, and Missouri. While this method of instructional delivery is not a rationale for replacing teachers, it is expected to increase in terms of use and acceptance. Twenty-two program addresses--with telephone numbers--are appended. (JMM)