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)

Describes Hawaii University High School's use of a telecommunications satellite to link scientists from around the world with students; use of a communications network to link Michigan social studies classrooms for participation in a political science simulation; and the National Diffusion Network's use of a telecommunications satellite for…

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…

Reviews two studies whose results indicate that students who share computers develop better work skills and social attitudes. One study, using eighth graders and a computer simulation, measured performance on worksheets and final exams. The second study used language learning via computer-assisted instruction to compare results on achievement…

Discusses educational technology and its role in expanding teachers' roles, in helping students become more active learners, and in restructuring schools. Highlights include descriptions of restructured schools in Minnesota; schools' relationships with industry and the community; examples of activities that promote more active student…