A discussion of microcomputer applications in elementary and secondary school social studies is accompanied by a list of publications and a checklist to aid educators in evaluating programs for microcomputers. Six instructional uses of the microcomputer are drill and practice, tutorial, demonstration, simulation, instructional games, and computer literacy. Drill and practice and tutorials represent the most simple type of computer use. In creating a demonstration, the computer illustrates processes and systems; however, demonstration programs for the social studies are relatively rare. Simulation and instructional games are popular with social studies teachers and students and many computer programs are available. A drawback is that the machine-student interactions restrict, if not preclude, interaction among students. Using computers to become computer literate involves running commercially produced programs, creating programs, modifying existing programs, using computers to retrieve information and solve problems, evaluating a program, and understanding computer technology as a source of social issues. Eight appendices include the following: a glossary; lists of microcomputers used in schools, useful books, sources of information for educational software, periodicals, and general computing magazines; a 2-page software evaluation checklist that covers initial information, instructions, input, and overall impression; and a transcribed interview with a school district computer education coordinator. (KC)