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The aim of this feature column is to provide insight about the educational changes that can result from technological developments, especially the evolution of interactive education based on multimedia.In classrooms and laboratories throughout the world, rapidly advancing information technologies are changing the face of education in chemistry. This column deals with educational changes that can result from technological developments, including interactive on-line approaches and the integration of multimedia materials. Such education may involve the use of technology in a variety of settings, from the traditional lecture hall or laboratory to virtual or distributed classrooms. Instructional and information technologies have, in some cases, made entirely new educational environments and practices possible. Technology may be used to communicate interactively and in real-time with students who are off-campus, perhaps in other states or countries. Multimedia can be used on-line in homework or exam situations to probe conceptual understanding and aid in the visualization of microscopic chemical phenomena. As these changes occur in chemical education, it is critical to guide them by answering questions such as:

shows that teachers can change the trajectory of their students' lives. Students of capable elementary and middle school teachers not only have higher standardized test scores, they are more likely to attend college, have a lower incidence of high school pregnancy, and earn more as adults.

As the global economy quickly changes, countries that can stay ahead in areas such as engineering, chemistry, and technology will be the most competitive. Yet, the hard sciences are among the most challenging subjects for even the best instructors to teach. Worse, Education Trust studies have shown that troubling numbers of math and science teachers never studied the subjects they are teaching.

An increased emphasis on good teachers who can provide high quality math and science education should be a top priority for America's educational community and our political leaders. This is not just for the sake of raising standardized test scores, but because we understand the direct correlation between mastering essential subject matter and the success of our students and the country.