This chapter examines the role of networked multimedia environments in supporting and advancing new educational models that emphasize inquiry, collaboration, and knowledge building. We first examine changing theories and metaphors of learning and consider how designs of multimedia networked environments are influenced by these changing views. Following that, we examine three prominent research programs, Knowledge Integration, Collaborative Visualization, and Knowledge Building, all three examples advance evolving theories and 21st century learning goals and use design-based research in fostering innovations in complex classrooms. We propose that research and design of networked multimedia environments can enrich the theorizing of new models of learning and we discuss design research as a promising methodology for promoting educational innovations in classroom.