Synopses & Reviews
This text examines the use of collaboration technologies in the problem-solving or decision-making process. These systems are widely used in both education and in the workplace to enable virtual groups to discuss and exchange ideas on issues ranging from applied problems to theoretical debate. While some systems are text-based, the majority rely on visualization techniques to allow participants to represent their ideas in a more flexible, graphical form. The text evaluates existing systems, and looks at how the specific needs of users in both educational and corporate environments can be reflected in the design of new systems.
Review
From the reviews: "Clearly written and well organized in this edited book, the purpose of Argument Visualization is to enlighten human intellect by creating collective intellect through dialogues as well as by fostering sense-making learning ... . Indeed, this book presents its pioneer role in the CSCW research, and gives visions on the application of CSAV. The experiences from case studies in this book will be highly valuable for any reader who is interested in information technology, computer-in-education, psychology, HCl, knowledge management, computer engineering, or policy makers." (Jin Tan David Yang, Educational Technology and Society, Vol. 6 (3), 2003)
Synopsis
Computer Supported Argument Visualization is attracting attention across education, science, public policy and business. More than ever, we need sense-making tools to help negotiate understanding in the face of multi-stakeholder, ill-structured problems. In order to be effective, these tools must support human cognitive and discursive processes, and provide suitable representations, services and user interfaces. Visualizing Argumentation is written by practitioners and researchers for colleagues working in collaborative knowledge media, educational technology and organizational sense-making. It will also be of interest to theorists interested in software tools which embody different argumentation models. Particular emphasis is placed on the usability and effectiveness of tools in different contexts.
Among the key features are:
- Case studies covering educational, public policy, business and scientific argumentation
- Expanded, regularly updated resources on the companion website:
www.VisualizingArgumentation.info
"The old leadership idea of "vision" has been transformed in the face of wicked problems in the new organizational landscape. In this excellent book we find a comprehensive yet practical guide for using visual methods to collaborate in the construction of shared knowledge. This book is essential for managers and leaders seeking new ways of navigating complexity and chaos in the workplace."
(Charles J. Palus, Ph.D, Center for Creative Leadership, Greensboro, North Carolina, USA)
Synopsis
The field of Computer Supported Argument Visualization is currently attracting increasing attention in education and business as a means of helping co-located and virtual groups model and debate controversial problems. Visualizing Argumentation brings together the leading practitioners and researchers to provide the first in-depth coverage of this field. It gives an overview of both the conceptual and technical foundations, and also provides good coverage of practical issues, illustrated by real-life case studies. It will be of particular interest to practitioners and researchers concerned with knowledge management, software usability, information visualization and knowledge representation.
Table of Contents
Foundations.- The Roots of Computer Supported Argument Visualization.- A Cognitive Framework for Cooperative Problem Solving with Argument Visualization.- Designing Argumentation Tools for Collaborative Learning.- Using Computer Supported Argumentation Visualization to Teach Legal Argumentation.- Enhancing Deliberation Through Computer Supported Argument Mapping.- Dialog Mapping: Reflections on an Industrial Strength Case Study.- Fostering Collective Inelligence: Helping Groups Use Visualized Argumentation.- Infrastructure for Navigating Interdisciplinary Debates Critical Decisions for Representing Argumentaion.- Visualizing Internetworked Argumentation.- Afterword.- Index.