Hypertexts vs. traditional essays

When we compose hypertexts, I think that we use our critical thinking more than we do when we write traditional research papers.

This quote by Diane F. Halpern inspired me:

"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…”

Using critical thinking skills is essential in the creation of hypertexts. The writer must analyze what information is necessary to their argument and should be published to their website. Also, the writer must use their best judgment, regarding what is the best way to organize their hypertext. When someone writes a traditional essay, the outcome is simply words on pieces of paper. However when someone writes for a hypertext, the outcome is a thoughtful and organized version that brings the writing to life. Critical thinking is used when composing hypertexts because the writer has to determine what is the most powerful way to design their hypertext, in order to make their main point stand out.

I also liked the quote, “Critical thinking is the development of cohesive and logical reasoning patterns” Stahl and Stahl, 1991. Hypertexts are different than traditional essays because the presence of cohesion is very important to the success of its creation. If the hypertext and hyperlinks do not flow, then the meaning of the writing will be lost. The writer has to use their critical thinking skills to decide what organization would be best suited for their argument.