Simmons, W. Michele, and Jeffrey T. Grabill. "Toward a Civic
Rhetoric for Technologically and Scientifically Complex Places: Invention,
Performance, and Participation." CCC 58.3 (2007): 419-448.
Abstract
The spaces in which public deliberation most often takes
place are institutionally, technologically, and scientifically complex. In this
article, we argue that in order to participate, citizens must be able to invent
valued knowledge. This invention requires using complex information technologies
to access, assemble, and analyze information in order to produce the
professional and technical performances expected in contemporary civic forums.
We argue for a civic rhetoric that expands to research the complicated nature of
interface technologies, the inventional practices of citizens as they use these
technologies, and the pedagogical approaches to encourage the type of
collaborative and coordinated work these invention strategies require.