Computer can act as a tutor by means of communication or interaction between the user and the operating system. We have been discussed that computer is an example of higher thinking skills and creativity.

                But this time, another perspective of computer is a teacher’s handy-tool in teaching. According to Piaget (1981) and Bruner (1990), they gave stress to knowledge discovery of new meaning/concepts/principles in the learning process. Students are engaged in gathering unorganized information from which they can induce ideas and principles. They are also asked to apply discovered knowledge to new situations, a process for making their knowledge applicable to real life situations.

                However, knowledge is constructed by the individual learner in constructivism; knowledge can also be socially constructed. According to Vygotsky, social constructivism is affected by social influences. In effect, this is to say that the learner who interprets knowledge has a predetermined point of view according to the social perspectives of the community or society he lives in.

 To know the differences between the two perspectives, here are some frameworks to look for:

Learning Framework	Constructivism	Social Constructivism
Assumption	Knowledge is constructed by the individual	Knowledge is constructed within a social context
Definition of Learning	Students build their own learning	Students build knowledge influenced by the social context
Learning Strategies	Gather unorganized information to create new concept/principle	Exchange and share form ideas, stimulates thinking
General Orientation	Personal discovery of knowledge	Students discuss and discover meanings
Example	8*5 – 8 +8+8+8+8	Two alternative job offers Option 1-8 hrs./day for 6 days/week Option 2-9 hrs./day for 5 days/week

Figure 3 – Summary of the Two Learning Perspectives

                Based on the two learning theories, the teacher can employ the computer as q/an:

1.       An informative tool. The computer can provide vast amounts of information in various forms, such as text, graphics, sound, and video.

2.       A constructive tool. The computer itself can be used for manipulating information, visualizing one’s understanding, and building new knowledge.

3.       A co-constructive tool. Students can use constructive tools to work cooperatively and construct a shared understanding of new knowledge.

4.       A situating tool.  The computer can create 3-D images on display to give the user the feeling that are situated in a virtual environment.