This monograph examines benefits, challenges, and methods of expanding access to adult literacy with online distance education (ODE). The following are among the topics discussed: (1) reasons for considering ODE (new technologies and delivery systems in education; ODE in higher education, business training, and adult basic education; state-level efforts to try ODE with adult learners; Project IDEAL [Improving Distance Education for Adult Learners]); (2) challenges of using the World Wide Web in adult education (LiteracyLink and results of field tests of its Workplace Essential Skills component); (3) the Pennsylvania experiment in building system capacity for ODE (the program's support structure; distance enrollments; implementation issues); (4) the Australian experience with ODE (federal efforts; state efforts); and (5) implementation issues in implementing ODE for adult learners (models of implementation; planning for implementation; teaching at a distance; models for teaching and learning); (6) policy issues in implementing ODE for adult learners (professional development; emerging technologies; experimentation and accountability; control and distribution of ODE); and (7) research issues in implementing ODE for adult learners. (The bibliography lists 64 references. The following items are appended: an overview of ODE products for adult education; an interview guide for programs implementing ODE; and an outline of the Project IDEAL planning process.) (MN)