Critically Thinking about Critically Thinking

Out of all the definitions I really took in 4 that seemed to sum up the experience of writing a hyper text. I probably wouldn't have been able to critically think about all the various elements of writing a hyper text if it wasn't for the persistent teaching. Because we were encouraged to think of the audience while we developed our sites we followed Ennis's definition of critical thinking as, "Reasonably and reflectively deciding what to believe or do." We've constantly been pushed to think of an A.D.D. reader by using Dang's knowledge of internet reading. This has given me something to critically think about and has effected the choices I've made about how to construct my hypertext. The MCC General Education Initiatives had a lot to say about critical thinking, but what I pulled from it was to, "devise solutions for problems and issues...sort and organize data...and remain open." These were all elements involved in creating a hypertext. We've really had to look at how to make issues come alive for people who are curious or ignorant. I've had to find more diverse data then any other writing experience that I've had before. Remaining open has also been vital in all situations when working with this new media and many new situations of writing. With Diane Halpem's her definition really emphasizes the point of thinking about actions and how they will effect others. The way we've been taught to write hypertexts is through critically thinking about what choices our readers will make and how to best reach them. Each definition can apply it self some way to our hypertext experience. That's a good sign for all of us, not only are we learning how to write with new media we are being encouraged to think critically.