Distance education programs: defining issues of assessment, accessibility, and accommodation.

Identification and resolution of a variety of issues is imperative to establishing effective distance education via telecommunications. In this first-hand experience, the authors describe selected issues and possible responses inherent in the development and implementation of a new teaching modality. The decision to pursue distance education by telecommunications should be made only after a thorough examination of the needs, the required resources, and the changes to be expected. Advance planning is essential for problem solving.