The paper focuses on the influences of multimedia and hypermedia technologies on the academic practices. It traces the ways in which these technologies penetrate research, development and teaching activities of a higher education unit. Multifaceted uses of Web are illustrated: as environment for course design and delivery, as research project support environment, as product integrator, as facilitator of dissemination of research outcomes and support for their implementation. Examples of on-line courses, methodology and tools for Web-based course development, specialized educational Web sites are presented. Pros and cons of this Web-orientated approach are discussed and current problems are identified. Multimedia developments for children – MATCh, an authoring tool and its applications, designed by a European consortium - are also reported. Finally, a reflection on the overall technological impact on the academic practices is made.