Whole language and cooperative learning are effective ways to help students develop and integrate academic skills. The computer makes available the possibility of multimedia opportunities to apply these and other strategies to develop cognitive, affective, and social skills. The project reported in this paper explored a successful strategy for using HyperCard and interactive technology to accomplish these goals. Twenty-one third-graders were involved in the project, with abilities ranging from superior to low average. The class was engaged in the topic of animal life stages in science. Students worked in cooperative learning groups, but were encouraged to interact with other groups for borrowing and sharing ideas. The qualitative analysis verified that students became effective learners and communicators through the research and design process. The technology proved to be a motivator for students and increased their rate of basic skills development as well as their knowledge of the subject matter. (Author/AEF)