Session 3 Software tools that can really help (Can software be harnessed to the real needs?)
FIRST PRESENTATION
Simon Buckingham Shum of Knowledge Media Institute, The Open University, spoke about Argument Mapping. Why map arguments? Maps (often trees or networks) can be added to cumulatively by a group - individuals can propose a new 'node' (often an icon). The structure of the debate is explicit.
With a software tool, managing the structure is easier than on paper. In a hypertext system nodes may appear in multiple places. The results can be published in different formats and on the web
The relevance of argument mapping for young people:
Managing complexity
- - Contemporary debates can be complex – support needed (for adults too!) to help show the big picture as well as zoom in on details. "Summarise the main arguments about Iraq…"
The visual: The visual dimensions may appeal more to young people (connections; networks; icons; landmarks; shape; texture)
The visual: The visual dimensions may appeal more to young people (connections; networks; icons; landmarks; shape; texture)
Synchronous discussions
- - Sense of accomplishment on creating a coherent map from a discussion "This is what we built. These are the killer arguments…"
Asynchronous discussions
- - A web debate that can accept and help you track international contributions could be exciting. "Email alert: new evidence from Brazil…"
He discussed several different sorts of software including:
- QuestMap' from The Soft Bicycle Company; its successor Compendium currently under development.
- Belvédère system for teaching scientific reasoning to school students
- Rostra, a web news publishing tool, provides a quality 'web newspaper' publishing environment for a project to alert its members and the wider world to what's happening. It is customisable look and feel to match your project. (KMi Centre for New Media).
- Ubiquitous D3E to discuss any web document - make the link and add your comments.
- Visual Explorer - Pack of images selected for their metaphorical power (in organisational life). Thumbnail images can be dropped into Compendium and linked into the concept maps. Center for Creative Leadership, USA.
The state of play
Concept mapping has a long educational track record, is a small software market, and is known in some schools …but argument mapping less so
Argument mapping is attracting interest in adult organisational life – how will it transfer to younger generations?
Many cool tools available to help rapidly create and better manage argument maps – young people may find them attractive, and may be more adept at learning them given their software and internet literacy
Lots of potential – but real testbeds needed!
SECOND PRESENTATION
Richard Millwood of Ultralab spoke about the very large on-line learning community he worked with (100,000 children)
E-participation gave the opportunity for:
- new media - more choices such as including visuals in narrative; the place and pace
- new tools - in discourse such as email, creativity in publication, decision support
- facilitation - intervention/support/software design
- new sense of identity - prejudice/how do I fit in?/or stand out?
He referred to two pieces of software:
- Making Choices an innovative piece of software written in the mid 1990s which perhaps could do with an airing!
THIRD PRESENTATION
Richard Duschl, Kings College London, spoke to a summary of a paper which was the introduction to a paper about the Knowledge Forum.
What does the net offer than face to face does not?
- It breaks down barriers - no embarrassment;
- It can do it any time;
- It can lead to wider discussion and help people to see both sides of an argument by bringing people together with opposing views;
- It can make the discussion "real";
- It can encourage creative thinking – someone sets out the germ of an idea and people can contribute to it to improve it, knowing that they can make a difference.