Computers can be used in a variety of ways in the social studies classroom: (1) as a productivity tool to relieve the teacher of the many bookkeeping tasks and allow for more time to be spent on instructional tasks; (2) in business applications such as data base files, electronic spreadsheets, word processing, computer graphics, and to store large…

This paper examines the use of the computer as a mediating device and explores its influence on the social studies curriculum. A variety of software uses are analyzed, including drill and practice, tutorials, computerized databases, and simulations. The possible effects these uses can have are examined in terms of two views of social studies…

Computer simulations can be used in social studies to analyze problems by using a representation or model of a situation and then exercising the model to see how it behaves under different circumstances. Utilizing available computer programs, students can also build and use social studies data bases. (RM)

The purpose of this notebook is to assist educators who are designing and implementing inservice education programs to facilitate the effective use of computer integrated instruction (CII) in schools. It is divided into the following five sections: (1) Effective Inservice (a brief summary of inservice literature focused on inservice dimensions and…

Explores classroom microcomputer applications in elementary and secondary social studies. The utility of drill and practice and tutorial programs is reviewed; computer spreadsheets to project election tallies and databases for use in analyzing voter data are described; and economics and election simulations are compared. (MBR)

Reviews a HyperCard stack designed for use in schools and at home. Describes the program as primarily a database of information on Iraq, Kuwait, and the Gulf War. Contends that the program is pedagogically weak and of marginal use in the classroom. (CFR)

Provides information and reviews of geography computer software classified as drill-and-practice, simulations, and databases. Includes title, publisher, hardware needed, suggested grade level, geographic area covered, content emphasized, and the strengths and weaknesses of each program. (TW)

Described are some computer software that can be used in chemistry classrooms: (1) "Polymer Tacticity in Simulated NMR Spectra"; (2) "Teaching Magnetic Resonance Imaging Using Computer Animation"; (3) "Emergency Response Database"; (4) "An X-ray Diffraction Pattern Simulator"; and (5) "Multiple-Choice…

Discusses types of software most useful in social studies classes--games, simulations, and word processing, database, spreadsheets, and graphing--and introduces applications software through descriptions of four learning activities from different parts of the social studies curriculum: introducing databases, writing historical journals, tracking…

Describes adventure games, a genre of computer simulation games that require the use of creative and intuitive approaches similar to those used in online database searching, and suggests that they can be used in training online searchers to develop creative problem solving skills. Reviews of several available adventure games are included. (EJS)

Provides historical background for computer usage in education. Describes several aspects of technology emerging today which will have impact on education including: the emergence of the personal computer; communication technologies; and software engineering. Also describes several simulation packages for use in the science classroom. (DS)

Describes a computer simulation game and database package, "Palestine in the First Century," developed for upper primary and secondary school religious education in Scotland and designed for use on a microcomputer with a printer. The effect of this type of software on the role of teachers and students is considered. (Author/LRW)

Selected data drawn from national sources are statistically refined to construct a microcomputer-based model for monitoring academic quality and simulating the effects of management decisions. The method, illustrated for doctoral institutions here, can be used for colleges at any level, across institutions, and over time. (MSE)

Describes readiness activities which introduce telecommunications skills into the classroom. Computer activities and programs that simulate message writing and data retrieval are highlighted, and writing exercises that do not require computers are also included. Specific instructions are given for PFS readiness, a program which simulates an…

Lists supplementary materials cited in the Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) database that can help social studies teachers use computers effectively in the classroom. Provides