Despite the growing number of books designed to radically reconsider the educational value of video games as powerful learning tools, there are very few practical guidelines conveniently available for prospective history and social studies teachers who actually want to use these teaching and learning tools in their classes. As the games and…

Integrating computer-based learning tools into the curriculum has been slow, and the results of actual usage have been inconclusive; however, the potential for effective instruction should increase use by teachers and students. This ERIC Digest discusses three topics: (1) computer use in the classroom; (2) what is known about the effects of…

Cites six new ERIC documents for teaching economics in the elementary and secondary classroom. Topics include: teaching strategies; free and inexpensive materials; software; unions; and lifestyles. Also indicates how the documents can be ordered or searched for. (TRS)

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…

Maintains that the use of a microcomputer data base is useful for developing integrative learning activities with social studies as the core. Defines a data base and recommends ways to help children create and use one, giving an example of a data base project. Reviews appropriate software programs and outlines various levels of activity…

These materials are intended to be used with the computer program "Where in the U.S.A. is Carmen Sandiego?" to help students learn about U.S. geography and databases. The activities described involve students pursuing criminals throughout the United States, following clues about the location, and identifying the criminals. The activities…

How microcomputers can be used in the elementary social studies classroom to teach and reinforce new concepts, to relieve teachers of a variety of time-consuming chores, and to motivate students to produce creative projects is discussed. (RM)

This book contains directions for creating learning centers for use in grades 1-3 which use both computer and traditional activities. Information on each center includes goals and objectives, a time requirement, and specific guidelines for management of the activity. Required materials, including software, are indicated, and masters to duplicate…

The incorporation of media and technology into the classroom does not ensure the enhancement of student learning. Research has shown that students learn more through active participation in their own learning process. From 1984 to 1987, a teacher's secondary social studies students were actively involved in the National History Day Program (NHDP),…

Describes three computer-based lessons using constructivist learning principles. Includes a telecommunications lesson using an online vendor, an interactive video lesson on van Gogh's paintings, and a CD-ROM lesson on ancient lands. Includes figures depicting screens from all three lessons. (CFR)

Presents a collection of computer software programs designed to spark learning enthusiasm at every grade level and across the curriculum. They include Reader Rabbit's Learn to Read, Spelling Power, Mind Twister Math, Community Construction Kit, Breaking the Code, Encarta Africana 2000, Virtual Serengeti, Operation: Frog (Deluxe), and My First…

This field test report was completed for a producer of an educational computer software program. The program, designed to help students learn about Canadian history, is outlined. The program simulates the events and atmosphere of the years 1864-1873, formative years in Canada's history; the student user is cast in the role of a journalist on the…

One of the problems that teachers face in a knowledge-based social studies curriculum is the diversity of academic levels in a given class. The low level learner gets lost in the rush to cover the material and keep the interest of the other students. This project implemented a computer drill and practice program for those students who consistently…

This new addition to the Knowledge Essentials series, "Kindergarten Success," shows parents how to enrich their children's classroom learning and take an active role in their kindergartners' educations by exploring: (1) What your children are learning at school and the educational standards to expect in math, language arts, science, and social…

Part of the new Knowledge Essentials series, "First Grade Success" shows parents how to enrich their children's classroom learning and take an active role in their first graders' education by exploring: (1) What their first graders are learning at school and the educational standards to expect in math, language arts, science, and social studies;…