Critical Thinking & Hypertext Composition

"Critical thinking is the use of those cognitive skills or strategies that increase the probability of a desirable outcome. It is used to describe thinking that is purposeful, reasoned and goal directed - the kind of thinking involved in solving problems, formulating inferences, calculating likelihoods, and making decisions when the thinker is using skills that are thoughtful and effective for the particular context and type of thinking task. … Critical thinking is sometimes called directed thinking because it focuses on a desired outcome."
Halpern, Diane F. Thought and Knowledge: An Introduction to Critical Thinking. 1996.

Writing for hypertext differs from my other experiences of writing in that it is very focused, very audience-directed, and has a stronger focus on the publication aspect. Hypertext, and using the web to create a networked self, or to participate in a network group, is above all an active engagement, rather than a passive essay or research paper. Like Halpern describes, critical thinking is an important aspect of creating effective hypertextual communication because the goals of writing are so integrally tied to the context and audience.



Critical thinking is careful and deliberate determination of whether to accept, reject, or suspend judgment.
Moore and Parker, 1994.

The presentation of an issue through web publication is an active engagement with the audience that invites them to respond to the issue you present in your writing. By publishing, you are asking the audience to utilize their critical thinking in their reaction to your work. An effective piece of writing requires a response, and requires that the reader accepts, rejects, or questions what you have published.



Critical thinking is "the art of thinking about your thinking while you are thinking in order to make your thinking better: more clear, more accurate, or more defensible."
Paul, Binker, Adamson, and Martin (1989)

Just as important as the more abstract act of engaging with the audience, is the ability to communicate information clearly and effectively. I’ve found that organization, efficiency, and clarity are so essential to keeping the audience interested and convinced. By creating a hypertext response you are formulating your thoughts into a more rigorous organization by keeping in mind the different pages, link paths, and headlines required to keep the flow of information from you to the audience clear.