In the last 10 years, an approach to electronic distance education called audiographic computerized telelearning using standard telephone lines has come to the fore. Telelearning is a cost-effective system which optimizes existing computer facilities and creates a teaching-learning environment that is interactive, efficient, and adaptable to a wide range of subject matter. Prospective teachers can easily be trained in the technology and will be able to readily adapt their teaching style to the medium. This paper describes salient characteristics of audiographic telelearning systems (including both equipment and organizational requirements); selected institutional experiences (including a joint venture involving Harvard University, Boston University, and Beijing University to teach mathematics and biomedicine and current programs at Louisiana State University); research findings on the efficiency and effectiveness of the system in supporting learning; and the potential of the system in extension education, with particular emphasis on home economics education in the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service. The results of a participant evaluation of the home economics telelearning program are presented in tabular form. (7 references) (GL)