An effective learning environment must ensure that students are motivated to access whatever information is available, that they have an authentic context in which to situate that knowledge, and that they face challenges that allow them to put that knowledge to use. In an attempt to address these issues, a computer program was developed, called Broadcast News, which teaches social studies to high school students by allowing them to put together a television news show. The learning environment has two distinct layers: a task-environment layer, and an instructional layer. The task-environment layer consists of a miniature on-line production facility that students use to create a news show and the initial rough drafts of the stories that students will work on. The instructional layer provides expert feedback and additional sources that students can access to get the information they need to make editorial decisions. Use of Broadcast News includes asking questions of the experts, reviewing source material, editing the story, rewriting, submitting the story for expert review, anchoring, and viewing the show. After completing all the steps, the student may obtain a videotape copy of the show. (AEF)