This class has been really enjoyable and has been one of my favorite classes that I've taken this year! Being a Digital Building concentration, I feel like this class was a great way to see the different things I could do or be able to do in the future. This class was a really great break from the typical engineering classes that I've taken that are calculation based, and looked to where engineering is going with the advancements in technology. My particular favorite aspect of the class was all the different speakers that came in from the industry. I find that bringing in speakers is a great way to relate what we're learning in the classroom to the real world, and it's also a great way to network with engineering professionals. I also really liked how each lecture introduced new and emerging software that is slowly being adopted by the industry, and how they can affect how the industry
The database aspect of the class was an interesting challenge for me. Since I've taken INFO 210 before this class, there were a few aspects that I had a good handle on. However, since that class was more of an introduction to databases, this class allowed me to use it a way that is relevant to buildings and engineering.
This class has greatly affected my profession and my future as a graduating engineering student. The speakers that were brought in were very insightful and gave me so many different ideas for what I can do after I graduate. I was always very interested in BIM since I started here at Drexel, so I was looking forward to when the speaker on the topic would come in. Derek spoke about how Revit is currently being used to bring the construction industry into the modern era by using the software for clash detection and visual design and construction of buildings. His academic background was similar to mine, so I was really interested to learn that this was one of the options I could have once I graduated.
I am very happy that this was one of my required classes. I've gotten to learn about so many different technologies that are being used to revolutionize the engineering and construction industry. As a Digital Building concentration, I felt that this class was the first to be relevant to what I want to do, and I'm sure I'll be able to use this knowledge in the future.
Comments
Joshua L,
I agree with you that this class has been very focused for those of us who are digital building concentrations. I think that many people don't really know what that entails, myself included. In fact, even my advisor didn't know what it was when I asked. I feel that this class was a great way to define what digital building means and how it can impact the industry. I definitely think that this class helped mold what I thought I would be able to do in the future.
Thomas S,
It's really interesting to hear another perspective on databases from people who aren't in the digital building concentration track. Understandably, learning and using databases is probably not something you would end up using in the future. I did really like how you mentioned how BIM would affect what you do in the future. I had almost forgotten about Dynamo, I agree with you and think that this software is only going to get more important throughout the design and construction process of a building.
Brad G,
I agree with you that a lot of our early engineering classes mentioned technologies that were so futuristic and irrelevant in our industry today. I think this class was especially beneficial for introducing the different technologies that are being used right now and how we can learn to use them to be better prepared when we graduate. The practical way that Prof. Mitchell has set up the course was the best way to broaden our knowledge of these topics.
Allison,
ReplyDeleteI had almost forgotten about the speakers, but this was by far one of the best aspects of this class. Being able to see the viewpoint of different people within the industry, whether or not they agreed with Professor Mitchell, was eye opening. It is always great to break away from pure academia for a moment and get a more practical, professional point of view. I can see how this class would be incredibly beneficial to digital building concentrations, but I hope that the class transcends this to be a suggested, if not required, class for all architectural engineers.
Allison,
ReplyDeleteI thought the same thing when I read your section on INFO 210. This class really focused on how it is relevant to us as engineers, rather than treating us as database designers. By treating us as database designers who had to design databases with multiple topics, we sort of lost sight of how databases can apply specifically to engineers, so I'm glad 410 brought us back down to earth.
Allison,
ReplyDeleteI believe that that your post is very honest and accurate. I also found Derek's lecture quite interesting, BIM is definitely one of the topics I was looking forward in this class and he made an excellent job explaining it. The online guest lecturer we had on intelligent building was also helpful to introduce the BIM topic to the class. I agree on your comments about the database assignments and how it relates to INFO 210. Great post!
Allison,
ReplyDeleteYou post is very accurate and interesting. The database is also a challenge for me. I agree with you that the guest speakers are very helpful. They provide us the real experience in their industries. These experiences give us a professional view point and allows us to think about the application of different tools used in their industries and if we want to join that industry in the future.
I agree that this class was a nice break from the computation-based classes we usually see as engineers, it was a nice way to see a different aspect of the field and hear from people already in the industry. Like you, the database was a challenge for me but was practical for our majors. The class was geared towards digital building concentrations, but it was still interesting and insightful as a mechanical concentration.
ReplyDelete