Information is provided about the use of telecommunications in the delivery of postsecondary coursework to off-campus nonmetropolitan sites in the Mountain Plains states. The five chapters cover the following: introduction; review of the literature (shift to information society, underserved rural adult population, historical sketch, selected telecommunications systems, medium is not the message, and questions of evaluation); procedures; findings; and conclusions/recommendations. Topics reported include informational technologies used, the extent of use and application, the variety of clients and communities served, operational costs, faculty involvement and incentives, evaluation methods, services most needed, and future plans. Some of the many conclusions reached are: a very small group of potential distance learners in the Mountain Plains states are being served via telecommunications; further research into the issue of how to involve and motivate faculty to participate in telecommunications delivery is necessary; and statewide or regional incentives for innovation in the telecommunications field should be initiated by professional adult education groups. Nine appendices are as follows: Jonsen letter; National Technological University; Spencer model; cover letter to survey; survey instrument; respondents excluded; faculty incentives; 5-year plans; and directory of officials responding. Contains 42 references. (SM)