Educational research points to the effectiveness of using multimedia activities in instructional settings. The capacity for repetition, new methods for encouraging student exploration and discovery, assistance with complex and highly visual processes, and accommodation of a wider range of learning styles are all cited as key contributors to the effectiveness of these new tools. This essay begins with a survey of the most commonly used multimedia production software, comparing their advantages and disadvantages. Following that, the essay outlines the steps for getting started, suggests a typical product development pathway, and discusses the various roles (talents and skills) required to complete a multimedia project. A short section on how to effectively run a team and avoid common problems follows and then the essay concludes with an examination of the importance of evaluation. (Contains 3 figures and 18 online resources.)