Visualizing Argumentation : Software Tools for Collaborative and Educational Sense-Making

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)

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)