The impact and cultural implications of the French Minitel and Teletel system are discussed, and second language clasroom applications are examined. These electronic instruments were developed for nationwide transmission of computerized data using small television-like terminals connected by modem to existing telephone circuits. Wise marketing decisions that ensured the success of Minitel and Teletel include: (1) the free use of the terminals as soon as the local directory comes on-line; (2) low-cost access to the on-line telephone directory; (3) well-coordinated services and databanks; and (4) user rates based only on connection time, not distance. A series of seven team-oriented activities exploiting the introductory materials given to new Teletel and Minitel subscribers are outlined. These include activities for giving demonstrations, problem-solving, data seeking, communicating with a service provider, creating a service, message transmission via electronic mail, and conversation and discussion. Early response to the system in France, resulting changes, and its future are also examined. (MSE)