Sparty and Selfi: Distributed Intelligence in the Multiliteracy Center.

This article examines two multimodal compositions produced with the support of a multiliteracy center. Each case involves multiple people, technologies, and resources. Distribution and emergence —two concepts borrowed from complex systems theory—help us understand the distinctive nature of the composing practices exemplified by these two cases. More specifically, the composing practices described here can be understood as examples of Pea's (1993) “distributed intelligence” and Lindquist, Hart-Davidson, and Grabill's (2010) “distributed invention.” These two examples prompt me to hypothesize about the way multiliteracy centers can maximize their potential to facilitate distributed and emergent composing practices. I suggest that multiliteracy centers should consider adopting policies, structures, and designs that facilitate connections, support long visits, attend to affective dimensions of relationships, and encourage play. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]