This paper examines the relationship between a major instructional feature of the college course, the textbook, and computer based instructional technology. The strategy suggests that the textbook, along with the instructor, assumes the major teaching responsibility and that the computer is used in a supportive role involving information summary, testing, and simple tutoring. In order to develop textbooks that can assume this role, a four-step systems approach is outlined: (1) select a model of student accomplishment, (2) identify instructional objectives, (3) develop instructional features of the text, and (4) develop the computer management system. A flow chart of the computer based instructional process is included. A strategy for using the college text as a component of competency based education is also outlined. This system is based on using the text as it is, then building the support materials around it. It has been established that CBE systems can best operate when the textbook is designed to assume the major responsibility for helping students learn, and the computer management system is used in a supportive testing and simple tutorial role. (JEG)