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Critical Reflection

These 13 weeks had been very meaningful to me, this learning journey with Professor Brad in the effective communication module had given me a very wonderful experience. I have learnt and picked up skills such as writing, formal writing, paraphrasing, crafting a letter for an email, presentation and oral skills, researching, report writing, identifying a problem with the ideal, gap and goal and, most importantly working as a team. This module does not only allow me to work as a team with the same group members, but it has also allowed me to work with different kinds of people in the class, understanding their strengths and weaknesses, making friends and learning about them. This was one of the most unique experience for me when it comes to team working as it gets us to come out of our comfort zone to further communicate, understanding their personality and most importantly talk to everyone in class. My two goals for this module was to be confident when speaking to a bigger group of pe...
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Annotated Summary

Annotated Summary on HVAC system. (Seekers - Don) In the article “The Rising Demand for Air Conditioners”, Team (2020) claims that the use of air conditioning is increasing and thus, driving the global electricity demand by 2050. Southeast Asia is already using about 60 percent of its electricity for air-con alone. The need of air conditioning has been increasing even till today due to the increased ambient temperature from climate change. Climate change had cause countries like France and Australia to experience temperature as high as 45.9 degree Celsius and 49.5 degree Celsius in 2019. Heatwaves are becoming more common and it is affecting everyone in this planet, Earth. Heat can prove lethal, especially to vulnerable group such as infants, the sick and elderly. A simulation was conducted by the Centre for Climate Research Singapore, the result shows that Singapore can expect to face temperatures of 40 degree Celsius as early as 2045. With the rise of global temperatures, more people...
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Reader's Response with Summary on Porous Asphalt Is King of the Road (Final - 19102020)

  Summary: In the article “Porous Asphalt Is King of the Road”, (PaveGreen, n.d.) claims that porous asphalt is the best pavement surface. From the construction point of view, they see a need to fight water pollution as it is affecting the rate of climate change on our Earth. Porous asphalt pavement is one way to mitigate water pollution, improve safety, and reduce erosion. What makes porous asphalt different is the design when compared to conventional asphalt. Under the porous pavement is a “recharge bed” built of stones with spaces between them allowing water to flow through. Rainwater sinks through the pavement into the recharge bed and filtered out into the earth. This concept is also used on superhighways for safety purposes as porous asphalt is can reduce water splashes. During winter, it helps to reduce the need for de-icing as porous asphalt is permeable. The writer also mentions that adopting the use of porous asphalt is a more cost-effective solution for going green c...
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Reader's Response with Summary on Porous Asphalt Is King of the Road (Draft 2, 10102020)

  In the article “Porous Asphalt Is King of the Road”, PaveGreen (n.d.) claims that porous asphalt is the best pavement surface. The world sees a need to fight pollution and are doing all they could to slow down the rate of global warming as our climate is changing faster than predicted. Porous asphalt pavement is one way to improve safety, reduce erosion, and mitigate water pollution. What makes porous asphalt different is, under the pavement is a “recharge bed” built of stones with spaces between them allowing water to flow through. Rainwater sinks through the pavement into the recharge bed and filtered out into the earth. This concept is also used on superhighways for safety purposes. It sharpens the visibility during rainstorms. During winter, it helps to reduce the need for de-icing. The writer also mentions that adopting the use of porous asphalt is a cheap solution for going green considering that the cost is similar to typical asphalt.  Porous asphalt should be used ...
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Article summary: Porous Asphalt Is King of the Road (Draft 1)

In the article “Porous Asphalt Is King of the Road”, PaveGreen (n.d.) claims that porous asphalt is the best pavement surface. The world sees a need to fight pollution and are doing all they could to slow down the rate of global warming as our climate is changing faster than predicted. Porous asphalt pavement is one way to improve safety, reduce erosion and mitigate water pollution. What makes porous asphalt different is, under the pavement is a “recharge bed” built of stones with spaces between them allowing water to flow through. Rainwater sinks through the pavement into the recharge bed and filtered out into the earth. This concept is also used on superhighways for safety purposes. It sharpens the visibility during rainstorms. During winter, it helps to reduce the need for de-icing. The writer also mentions that adopting the use of porous asphalt is a cheap solution for going green considering that the cost is similar to typical asphalt.  Reference: PaveGreen. (n.d.). Porous Asp...
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Self Introduction (edited 300920)

  Subject: Self-introduction Dear Professor Blackstone,   My name is Donovan Chan and I am writing this to introduce myself as a student attending your effective communication module. I am a year 1 engineering student studying Sustainable Infrastructure Engineer Building Services in Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT).   I graduated from Ngee Ann Polytechnic in 2018 with a diploma in Aerospace Technology. From young, I had always been interested in engineering and on how things work, particularly on cars and aircraft. In my free time, I would usually do my research in the powetrain system of a car. To be specific, the engine. During my Polytechnic days, I managed to gain hands-on experience during my internship at one of the Aerospace companies. I got to open up and learn the insides of a fuel pump from an aircraft. I find it very intriguing and this is the reason why I still chose the world of engineering.   My weakness is in verbal communication. At times, I wo...
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“While all engineers should have good communication skills, global engineers face additional challenges, making effective communication an imperative.” Debra Kraft, Careers Content Writer, Demand Media (2016)

Effective communication helps provide clear information and expectations to help manage and deliver excellent work which in return helps boost team’s performance. Engineer’s work is complex and technical, but not everyone they work with has the same technical expertise, which makes it even more important for them to have good communication skills. Effective communication in engineering is critical to ensuring that all project participants are on the same page. Engineers need to use communication skills every day. A lack of communication skills in today’s engineer leads to inefficiency, wasted effort, mistrust, and resentment between co-workers. Engineers are creative people. They are responsible for dreaming up and building systems that companies will implement or sell, with the goal of improving the bottom line. Because their roles require team building and leadership, engineers must be able to clearly communicate complex ideas and technical project plans. Effective communication is i...
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