The incorporation of media and technology into the classroom does not ensure the enhancement of student learning. Research has shown that students learn more through active participation in their own learning process. From 1984 to 1987, a teacher's secondary social studies students were actively involved in the National History Day Program (NHDP), one purpose of which is to promote student competency and interest in carrying out original research. Of the four program categories--paper, project, performance, and media--the media category was the most popular. Students worked in groups of from two to five to produce videos, dissolve slide/tape shows, standard slide presentation, computer programs, and overhead projection displays on designated themes. Compared to academically similar students in previous classes using alternative instructional methods, the NHDP students showed dramatic increases in involvement, learning, comprehension, and motivation. They learned how to find, interpret, analyze, organize, use, and present information in creative ways, and they learned skills related to everyday technologies. Participation in NHDP classes became popular with students in the school, more of whom tried to enroll each year although the work involved was extraordinary and relentless. In addition to active participation, cooperative group work, intergroup competition, and student choice of project may have contributed to the overwhelming success of the program. (DB)