This paper reports on the design and testing of an electronic multimedia bulletin board called the Multimedia Forum Kiosk (MFK). This software tool was designed to support collaborative discourse between multiple participants. The MFK supports students' knowledge building as they read about issues, reflect on comments, and develop a point of view. The system provides two representations for fostering better comprehension of discourse and reflection through classification of comments into an "argument map." Multimedia elements (digitized video, audio, images) are posted to stimulate discussion. Its uses as an instructional tool and assessment tool, as well as a methodology for analyses of comments, are described. Guidelines for successful implementation in instructional settings based on classroom experiences are provided. These include introducing the MFK as part of the course, enforcing mandatory participation, developing continuous monitoring and feedback on multiple topics, faculty participation and commitment, and ensuring access to the system. Based on this project, it was concluded that the MFK has shown potential as a medium for collaborative discourse and reflection and that the success of the MFK is dependent on the commitment of the participants involved. (Contains 17 references.) (JLB)