In January 1981, a committee at Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) began work to design a system to deliver non-group instruction to homes, businesses, and other off-campus sites. The committee first established criteria for the program to ensure that the Extended Learning System (ELS) would be compatible with and complementary to other college services. Next, interviews were conducted with DMACC staff, local business representatives, and prospective and current students to determine the problems and needs that could be addressed by formal ELS to expand DMACC's existing telecourse program. Based on the needs analysis and information gathered from other schools with ELS programs, objectives for the new ELS were established and an expanded program designed. This design incorporates a curricular component which covers course selection and scheduling and the evaluation of course offerings, future offerings, and system effectiveness; and an administrative component which promotes the curriculum, provides for faculty, recruits and enrolls students, and coordinates activities. The committee established a timetable for the implementation of ELS components including an extended learning center, promotion, expanded cable coverage, on-campus ELS, correspondence and radio courses, and computer assistance. In addition, the committee analyzed the potential costs and benefits of the ELS and prepared recommendations. Appendices present results of the planning session, executive review, and needs analyses. (AYC)