When we initially began this project we had a clear plan for implementation. A plan that did not consider many of the unforeseen obstacles that we would have to over come. Obstacles included ordering upgrade parts through the mail only to discover, when they arrived at the school, that they were not the correct part and had to be exchanged, a process that proved lengthy. Some of the larger RAM chips we installed in our machines were faulty and caused problems with our machines starting up. We also had a problem with one of our larger hard drives. However, once we had ironed out our hardware glitches we were able to begin projects. This process went smoothly with much enthusiasm on the part of the students. They worked diligently on their multimedia presentations as well as on the more traditional report summary and oral presentation they were required to complete. The final stages of working on the project were mornings filled with excitement and pride as students displayed their projects for fellow classmates to share. Often students would pull a classmate or teacher over to the computer to examine the final stages of their project or ask for advice about a particular effect .

Upon completion of the projects, they were saved on Zip drives to later be uploaded to our school web page. Much to our disappointment , as we proceeded in this process we discovered that each Kidpix Slideshow project was saved as several files. Only the main framework files had been transferred to Zip disks, and the auxiliary files to each project had been erased during routine year-end maintenance. We then tried to use Norton Utilities Unerase program to retrieve the files but we were unsuccessful. Clearly we would have preferred all to go as planned and our students' slideshows to be displayed on our web page. Instead we are left with important lessons for the future and the hardware and equipment for students to use in following years to create even more sophisticated multimedia projects. Instead of this project coming to an end, we see it as one that will be ongoing and developing for years to come.

Students' pride and enthusiasm shined through repeatedly during the process of completing this project. Motivation was high and students were excited and full of energy as they learned to manipulate graphics and experimented with various sound and transitional effects. Often they would convey with one another and share certain aspects of their projects. Many students offered opinions to one another and provided constructive criticism pertaining to design and presentation elements. Although affective results are difficult to measure, it was clear that students benefited greatly from this project. A scaffolding of important technological skills were built that will enable students to add to, develop and master in the future.

The use of technology such as the Internet, CD ROM encyclopedia and district online electronic resources allowed students to access a large volume of information that might not have been available using more traditional resource materials. One problem a number of students encountered was finding such a huge volume of information. It became a time consuming task for many to "sift out "useful information. Students also had to work on not spending too much time on information that was of interest, but not particularly relevant to their project. However, exploratory time is invaluable for sparking further interests and encouraging students to use the technology.

Certainly the most exciting feature of this project was enabling students to explore the multimedia format to display the final results and summaries of their findings. This process required students to practice using the various features of the Kidpix ll Slideshow program. Some fifth grade students had used the program previously and were able to expand their skills and try some of the more advanced features of the program such as enlarging or reducing graphics or editing stamps to fit their needs. Most of the students were fairly new to the Slideshow portion of the program and needed practice and familiarity with the tools and sequences of commands for creating frames. All students became more comfortable with the technology and many expressed a desire to to complete an additional project so they could develop their skills further. Unfortunately, projects were completed during Spring term which left no time for embarking on another.

The project provided many challenges and lessons for the future for both students and teachers. Because it was students' first significant multimedia project they were able to begin to see the possibilities available using this format. Many were a bit overwhelmed by all of the options available to them. This required us to stop and focus on one or two features of the program at a time. Other students, particularly those with some background using Kidpix ll Slideshow, were able to work at a fast pace and spend time developing and creating their own unique displays. Some challenges for teachers were coping with delays and frustrations regarding the hardware upgrade. We could have used more time to work on the projects and practice using the new equipment. Because it was so time consuming ordering, installing and troubleshooting when problems arose, we were unable to give the implementation of the project the time and consideration we would have liked to. An important lesson for the future we felt, was to remind our selves that the project was a new learning experience for us all. This experience is something that we will be able to build upon next year. The new equipment that now is installed, compatible and ready to go, will provide us with the opportunity to make the most of the students' time as they develop their creative and technological talents.