Multimedia Presentations Students may use a variety of multimedia software to demonstrate understanding and express comprehension. Easy-to-use authoring tools that incorporate text, audio, video, and other graphic elements are available for a wide range of audiences. Students can create electronic presentations to use in their class, at an open house, or for Web display. Elementary students have success with tools such as KidPix and older students can quickly learn tools such as HyperStudio, which can also create very sophisticated presentations in the hands of experienced users. Presentation tools like Microsoft PowerPoint have found a niche in both education and business settings. These tools are often used to augment demonstrations of student understanding, much like posters and other visual aids used in conjunction with oral reports. These tools can demonstrate deeper understandings and applications, however, by presenting simulations, interactive models, and short audio and video clips developed by students. These same tools also create artifacts that can be included in student portfolios. Students with special needs may find these tools more comfortable to use than traditional presentation methods and often create work that is equal in quality to that of their nondisabled peers. Multimedia Projects San Mateo's Challenge 2000 Multimedia Project offers suggestions for designing, implementing, and evaluating project-based learning with multimedia. The site also offers examples of actual projects as well as contact information for teachers involved in the project. Visit the Web site for further details on the six basic steps for creating a project-based learning activity using multimedia. Decide on the project Draft time frame Plan activities Plan for assessment Begin project with students Finish project and reflect