As the century draws to a close, basic communication instruction at America's universities and colleges is experiencing a barrage of externally determined assaults. Departments are increasing enrollments-per-section while facing a decrease in the number of sections being offered. The agenda of many 1990s state legislatures and the federal government is to cut and slash, combine and eliminate. Two remedies that offer potential relief are departmental basic course textbook publishing and computer-assisted instruction (CAI). The creation of a campus-specific text authored in-house offers several benefits, including accommodating local instruction distinctions, cost reduction by using a local printer, and generating revenues from the sale of the text. CAI can be integrated into the basic course in a number of ways. Interactive computer-based lessons (CBL) allow students to interact via a computer, freeing more class time for discussion and application. Interactive instruction modules provide tutorials, simulations, and worksheets. Computer mediated communication (CMC) can be used to support dialogue, maintain contact between students and instructors, exchange information, and assist in performance evaluation. The interventions warrant consideration but require scrutiny of substantial financial and ethical issues. (Contains 10 references.) (CR)