Multimedia and Multiple Intelligences  This article continues
the series, "The New Media and Learning," which opened with
three articles in our July-August issue. All articles were
originally presented at a conference sponsored by The American
Prospect at the MIT Media Laboratory on June 4, 1996. Audiotapes
of the presentations and discussion are available by calling
1-800-872-0162 or by ordering from the Spencer Conference web
site. The conference and articles were underwritten by a grant
from the Spencer Foundation.  Technology does not necessarily
improve education. Take a simple innovation like the pencil: One
can use it to write a superlative essay, to drum away the time,
or to poke out someone's eye. The best television has educated
thousands, while the daily network offerings dull the
sensibilities of millions.  The same is true of interactive
technology, which is getting so much ink these days: It could
become a valuable education tool, but only if we use it to
capitalize on our new understanding of h