Getting real educational benefits from investments in technology requires careful planning. Based on the experience of implementing PLATO[R] at over 5,000 sites, a nine-step planning model for implementing technology was developed. The nine planning tasks are based on the understanding of the factors that are critical to the success of most educational applications of technology, including PLATO[R]. The steps are: (1) Get buy-in from key personnel; (2) Decide on program goals; (3) Decide on instructional applications of technology; (4) Develop instructional models for the applications; (5) Develop an instructional management plan; (6) Plan hardware/software deployment; (7) Plan technical support; (8) Plan professional development; (9) Plan evaluation. For each step, this Technical Paper describes the key concepts and principles involved, and provides suggestions to help with planning. (AEF)