Argument Analyzer: Visualizing and explaining logical arguments in context

Abstract

This paper describes the design, development and preliminary evaluation of a visualization tool, the Argument Analyzer. This interactive online tool aims to help students understand applied logic by visualizing logical features in context. Multimodal bilingual explanations can be revealed on demand using toggle buttons. The two main sets of digital artefacts, namely annotated texts and explanations were student-created. Users can view preloaded texts or submit their own texts that have been annotated according to the guidelines. Users decide which logical features to reveal and hide. On revealing logical features, users can see more information by hovering over the visualization. When users want a fuller explanation, they can click on the hyperlinks to multimodal explanations. Thus, users are able to direct their own learning, and follow their own learning path of discovery and exploration. Preliminary evaluations of accuracy, usability and efficacy are positive.