Albert M. Selvin

Facilitated hypertext for collective sensemaking: 15 years on from gIBIS

This paper outlines the technical and social dimensions to a hypertext tool that has been successfully used in organizational settings to improve meetings, and capture group memory in real time. The approach derives from hypertext research systems from the mid-1980s-90s which sought to manipulate conceptual structures as hypertextual concept maps. However, many did not receive sustained use due to issues of cognitive overheads and representational inflexibility. Many decided that such tools would never fulfill their promise. The gIBIS system exemplified this early work, but has since evolved into a broader approach to collective sensemaking called Compendium. We outline Compendium, which demonstrates the impact that a hypertext facilitator can have on the learning and adoption problems that often ambush hypertext sensemaking tools before they have the chance to establish roots in work practice.

Fostering collective intelligence: helping groups use visualized argumentation

This chapter discusses lessons learned from applying visualized argumentation in realtime, face-to-face group settings. Using visualized argumentation in this manner requires special skills and considerations. Argumentation structures, especially when represented with software tools and manipulated in real time according to the needs and goals of the group using them, can be tricky to manage. Of special concern are the multiple issues involved in keeping the representations both coherent and tractable, both for immediate and later use (or re-use). This chapter focuses particularly on the role played by a facilitator - a person charged with managing both the creation and maintenance of the representation as well as the interaction of the group with it, and with each other and with the task at hand. The author has practiced such facilitation with hundreds of groups over a ten-year period and trained other practitioners in the art. The chapter provides a characterization of the practical, aesthetic, and ethical components of facilitating visualized argumentation for groups, with the goal of contributing to the development of improved means (tools, methods, and training) and to the wider spread of this competence and its benefits.

Hypermedia as a productivity tool for doctoral research

This technical note illustrates a number of uses of a hypermedia tool that serve various dimensions of individual PhD study, such as organizing notes, generating literature reviews, performing experiments, analysing results, publishing and presenting materials, and collaborating with supervisors and colleagues.

A framework for assessing group memory approaches for software design projects

WM1e the need for group memory systems in a software development project has been argued by various researchers and practitioners, a comprehensive evaluation methodology for these systems has not been defined. The deployment of group memory systems into various software development projects at NYNEX Science & Technology has highlighted the need for a flamcworkwhichcan be used by soft ware development groups to determine which system(s) would be most useful for their specificproject. In this paper we describea framework for assessing group memory systems. This framework examines the costs and benefits of these systems in the context of the assumptions and requirements of the project. It does not attempt to denounce one system as less usefhl than another devoid of the context of a software development project. We also define a group profile which is used to define features of a group, which can then be compared with the assumptions and requirements of the group memory system,

Constructing Knowldge Art:An Experiential Perspective on Crafting Participatory Representations

Abstract Download Free Sample This book is about how people (we refer to them as practitioners) can help guide participants in creating representations of issues or ideas, such as collaborative diagrams, especially in the context of Participatory Design (PD). At its best, such representations can reach a very high level of expressiveness and usefulness, an ideal we refer to as Knowledge Art. Achieving that level requires effective engagement, often aided by facilitators or other practitioners. Most PD research focuses on tools and methods, or on participant experience. The next source of advantage is to better illuminate the role of practitioners-the people working with participants, tools, and methods in service of a project’s larger goals. Just like participants, practitioners experience challenges, interactions, and setbacks, and come up with creative ways to address them while maintaining their stance of service to participants and stakeholders. Our research interest is in understanding what moves and...

Strategies for collaborative modeling and simulation (workshop session)(abstract only)

Participants will explore methods of increasing the quality and depth of cross-functional team participation in collaborative computer-supported modeling and simulation efforts. The workshop will focus on improving collaboration in approaches such as discrete event simulation, system dynamics, workflow modeling, and others.