This article gives practical advice to history teachers contemplating the use of computers in their classrooms. Provides eight reasons not to adopt microcomputers, but goes on to advocate their use, identifying ten ways in which microcomputers will benefit instruction in a history classroom. (JDH)

Reviews problems associated with constructing a software package for educational use. Offers opinions and observations on how to develop software effectively. (BSR)

Results of the two surveys (combined n = 145) show that historians are using computers for word processing, research, and teaching support. Only a third of the respondents indicated they were using computers in the classroom, however. The most frequently reported classroom uses were student projects, simulations, and tutorials. (JDH)

Provides a narrative review of a teacher microcomputer authoring system called Teaching is Easy (National Collegiate Software Clearing House, 1983). This simplified menu-driven authoring system allows the teacher to create class-specific drill and practice exercises on IBM PC or 100% compatible clones. Reported cost is $20, and learning time is…

Describes a variety of computer software. The packages reviewed include a variety of simulations, a spread sheet, a printer driver and an alternative operating system for DBM.PCs and compatible programs. (BSR)

Describes DePauw University's attempt to make the teaching of world civilizations more interesting by using the computer. Elaborates on specific simulations used and what student reaction was. Concludes that in this instance, computer simulation was a key to student motivation. (BSR)

Provides a sample course outline and discussion of database use in college history instruction. Based on the use of DBASE II, this article includes a two-page listing of books and articles written to help people use DBASE II and III. (JDH)

Provides full narrative reviews of B-1 Nuclear Bomber (Avalon, 1982); American History Adventure (Social Science Microcomputer Review Software, 1985); Government Simulations (Prentice-Hall, 1985); and The Great War, FDR and the New Deal, and Hitler's War, all from New Worlds Software, 1985. Lists additional information on five other history and…

Reviews a computer software program entitled "Sensible Grammar." Explains that the function of the program is to check word processor files for punctuation errors and faulty phrases. Concludes that although the program has some problems it is a valuable asset. (BSR)

Presents the results of a forum on the use and misuse of computer games and simulations. Questions from History Microcomputer Review (HMR) readers are edited and then presented to a panel of history professors who answer them individually. (BSR)

Describes a computer simulation of the U.S. Revolutionary War in which the student becomes an editorial writer for a New York-based newspaper in the 1760s. The students choose editorial policies and cover 27 selected events of the Revolutionary Era. Describes how these events were numerically characterized and accurately represented in the…

Discusses the nature of current college history students and explains why microcomputer simulations aid their learning of history. Concludes that students vary in their view of simulations, and that even good simulations are no substitute for an informed, thoughtful, and sensitive teacher. (JDH)

This article summarizes seven currently available microcomputer simulations for history. The seven included are: Government Simulations (Prentice-Hall, 1984), Nomination (Brady Company, 1984), Tigers in the Snow (Strategic Simulations, 1981), Lincoln's Decisions (Educational Activities, 1982), Watergate Simulation (Social Science Research and…

Reviews TIGERS IN THE SNOW: THE BATTLE OF THE BULGE (Strategic Simulations),and the BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG (Softwride). Each narrative review describes the hardware required and provides complete ordering information. (JDH)

Presents a discussion of how computer simulations are used in two undergraduate social science courses and a faculty computer literacy course on simulations and artificial intelligence. Includes a list of 60 simulations for use on mainframes and microcomputers. Entries include type of hardware required, publisher's address, and cost. Sample…