Research pathway

1) Why did we choose the atom? 

We chose the atom because we felt it really ties into what civil engineering is all about. The atom is already an engineering marvel combining 2d concepts into the 3d world utilising augmented reality. We feel that researching it now will be beneficial for us, because it’s likely to become a big deal in the construction industry down the line. We want to have that extra edge having prior knowledge that comes to applying these concepts in the real world.

2) Can you provide a concise summary of the key features and functions of XYZ Reality's Atom AR headset for construction?

XYZ Reality's Atom is an engineering-grade AR headset designed for construction. It offers millimeter-accurate alignment, powerful hardware (Intel i7, 16GB RAM, 1TB storage), and safety certifications. Key features include model control, remote collaboration, and offline capabilities, supporting real-time decision-making, detailed site inspections, and enhanced productivity. These features improve construction accuracy and safety. For further details, visit XYZ Reality.

Problem Scenario

Reality(gap): I cannot stop listening to music while I study.

Cause/Conditions: It’s because I cannot study when the environment around me is too quiet or loud. I need something to mask the silence or the loud noise.

Effects/Results: I end up singing and it affects my absorption of the content I study.

Goal: To start studying without music.

Possible change: Instead of lyrical music, I listen to instrumentals of my lyrical music or nature sounds.

Testing the hypothesis>solution: While I study, I decided to listen to my instrumentals and nature sound playlists.

Outcome of change: I ended up singing to instrumentals but while listening to my nature playlist, it kept me focused. Now, while studying, I only listen to my nature playlist unless I'm doing Math.

Self Introduction

 Dear Professor Blackstone,

                       

             I hope this email finds you well. My name is Priya and I am thrilled to be attending your critical thinking and communicating module. I would like to introduce myself and share my goals for this module.

             I graduated from Catholic Junior College in 2023 after completing my A-levels. My interest in Civil Engineering started with my uncle who works in the field. Growing up I admired how passionate he was about his work and his focus on sustainable practices. Sustainable practices such as incorporating renewable resources and finding ways to reduce the carbon footprint when working on his projects. This really inspired me, and it’s part of why I decided to pursue H2 physics and mathematics in junior college. I wanted to build a strong foundation for a career in engineering. Furthermore, I’ve always been fascinated by the infrastructure around me, and civil engineering felt like the perfect way to channel that interest into something meaningful.

Persuasion is one of my communication strengths. During a project in junior college, I suggested modernizing wet markets in Singapore, but my teammates weren’t on board at first. I then took the time to do research and present evidence to show the potential idea, and eventually we all agreed to move forward with it. However, I realized that active listening is something I need to work on. I noticed during that same project that I sometimes cut my teammates off to share my remarks about their inputs which wasn’t fair to them

Through this module, I want to become a better listener and ensure I give space to my teammates to share their thoughts fully. I also hope to build my overall presentation skills.

What sets me apart from the others is my adaptability, as I can adjust to new situations and thrive in environments that requires flexibility and change with ease.

Thank you for taking time to read this. I look forward to learning and growing in your class.

Sincerely,

Sakthi Priya Sundar

Singapore Institute of Technology, Civil Engineering

Read: Johnathan Phua, Jia Rong, Vishva

Email evaluation (CONS)

 Dear Prof  (Short form, absence of the name, disrespectful)

This is an introductory letter that I hope allows you to get to know me better. I am

currently studying in the engineering in Singapore Institute of Technology as a Year 1

student. (unnecessary, could've just said ‘Year 1 engineering student’)Unlike many other students, I graduated from a junior college (National Junior College). I received my A-level certification in the science stream in 2021. This aided me greatly in the various modules that I have had to take since I achieved some exemptions (junior colleges are infamous for their rigorous curriculum). (subjective and informal tone, usage of parentheses interrupts the flow of the email) My interest in engineering developed as I was always fascinated by mechanical robots, both in terms of related device components design and operating systems.

My hobbies are also unorthodox for my age subjective, undermines the professionalism of the email. I really enjoy gardening, cooking and listening to classical music. These hobbies have contributed to the development of my analytical skills and aesthetic sensibilities, as planting and tending a garden, creating a sumptuous meal and assessing the intricacy of a classical symphony require a certain level of attention and precision.  (linking hobbies to claims without specific examples, make it less credible and superficial) I chose to study engineering as it is a platform where my creativity and critical problem-solving skills can be put to good use, to the benefit of the public.

What I wish to gain from this module is related to my communication weaknesses. I need

to improve my ability to be an engaging presenter and writer. Though I can speak fairly

well since I use English at home, I often fear that what I say may not be relevant to my

audience, or it may not be interesting. In moments when I sense that I’m losing my

audience, I might panic.  (repeating the idea of weak comm, vague statements, there’s no specific examples, making it difficult for the professor to understand what exactly she wants to improve)

Also, (Instead of also, furthermore or moreover can be used to enhance writing quality) in terms of writing, I need to refine my grammar and trim the frayed ends of my organizational skills. (It’s an email, not creative writing) At times I slip into Singlish as I write, and often my formal essays don’t keep in focus. This is not to discount my capacity to present thoughts and ideas on paper, but there is always room for editing and improvement. (tone is casual, sounds like a conversation)

Let’s strive for more effective communication and sharper thinking!  (seems like call-to-action rather than wanting to seek guidance)

Overall its lacking flow, many disjointed sentences

Yours sincerely

Sheila Shankar

Quote Analysis

“While all engineers should have good communication skills, global engineers face
additional challenges, making effective communication an imperative.”

Based on the quote we chose, Wen Cong and I believe that, engineers worldwide come from diverse countries and backgrounds, leading to significant differences in communication and training. For instance, while both an engineer from Singapore and one from the United states may speak English, the use of Singlish in Singapore and American English in the U.S. can create subtle language barriers. Additionally, engineers are influenced by the unique external and internal conditions of their respective countries such as different education systems and industrial practices. Such differences can result in gaps when working together on global projects. Although effective communication is a fundamental skill for all engineers, global engineers face unique challenges. They must overcome language and cultural barriers while aligning their approaches to achieve successful collaboration 

additional challenges, making effective communication an imperative.additional challenges, making effective communication an imperative.