States that history instruction can be made meaningful and enlightening only by examining historical choices and their results against available options and likely consequences. Presenting examples, the author argues that well-crafted historical simulations focusing on such elements as choice and consequence, strategy and tactics provide a useful…

Suggests that simulations and new technologies present new ways to look at historical questions. Discusses approaches from basic board game simulations to the use of artificial intelligence. States that educators must accept new technologies as instructional tools and that the concept of history must be modified to work with these tools. (GEA)

Reviews the computer simulation, "Civilization," and asserts that it offers exciting possibilities as an interactive introduction to world history and historical thinking. Includes a course syllabus in which "Civilization" serves as a central feature and two writing assignments based on the simulation. (CFR)