Adventure/fantasy games, a form of simulation software, are described and recommended for bright but unmotivated learning disabled students. Several commercial games are reviewed and suggestions are given for writing the program for an adventure game. The games are thought to contribute to reading comprehenson, spelling, critical thinking, and…

Discusses theoretical versus applied science and the use of the scientific method for analysis of social issues. Topics addressed include the use of simulation and modeling; the growth in computer power, including nanotechnology; distributed computing; self-evolving programs; spiritual matters; human engineering, i.e., molding individuals;…

Suggests educators who are not yet computer literate choose an alternative focus by learning to evaluate software and determine its potential for use in specific educational settings. Questions which should be asked when reviewing software on appropriate use, content, and characteristics are presented, along with a software evaluation checklist…

Discusses the current use of simulation and gaming in a variety of settings. Describes advances in technology that facilitate the use of simulation and gaming, including computer power, computer networks, software, object-oriented programming, video, multimedia, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence. Considers the future use of simulation…

Lists key topics considered in four discussion groups at a working conference sponsored by the International Federation for Information Processing (IFIP) in 1987. Topics include effective teacher education; introducing new technology; teacher behavior; lack of software; simulation programs; program evaluations; and the information and…

Computers in non-school settings, educational computer games, and education without schools are the primary topics covered in this three-section paper. The first section describes the use of personal computers in two different, non-school environments: the home and computer clubs. A "diary study" by Yaakov Kareev is summarized, in which…

Some factors in the design of instructional micrcomputer simulations that high school social studies teachers must consider when selecting and using computer software are discussed: (1) Instructional computer simulations are adequate instructionally only to the extent that they make explicit the set of relationships underlying the program for the…

Describes some ways computers can help students develop thinking skills in the social studies. Emphasizes the use of data bases, simulations, and tutorials to teach thinking skills. Questions whether computers can do a better job of teaching students to think and reason than alternative methods. (RKM)