An interactive distance learning system is disclosed which is characterized by individual attention to each student. A live lecture, transmitted from a remote location (100), is accompanied by questions (480) to gage comprehension by students. The questions and possible answers for student choice are graphically displayed on a video screen (186). Affirmative supportive commentary is prepared prior to the lecture and prerecorded for each of the possible correct and inccorect responses. Each response teaches, confirms and encourages the learning experience. A processor (178), branching codes and a memory device (282, 286) can be used to create a large variety of responses to provide individual responses for students. The transmitted interactive signal can be recorded (294) and remain fully interactive. An extremely flexible, relatively inexpensive system is thus created which uniquely teaches and uniquely addresses the needs of every student.