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Critical Reflection

  Looking back, 13 weeks have passed since embarking on a new journey, university. At the start of this journey, we were tasked to set goals to achieve from this module, SIE 2016 Effective Communication. The two main goals that I set were to improve my public speaking skills as well as develop my writing ability. Reaching the end of the module, I feel that my public speaking skills definitely improved. Public speaking has always been an issue for me. Previously in my introduction letter, I mentioned that I feel uneasy when I present and that I would stutter and get mind blanks due to a lack of confidence in myself. During our lessons, Professor Blackstone would engage the class by selecting individuals to read to the class and answer certain questions. We were also given opportunities to present to our classmates which allowed me to feel more comfortable when presenting. Now, I am able to speak without stuttering and control my emotions enough to not blank out as often as before. How

Annotated Summary

  Manz, B. (2018, July 30). The Expanding Role of Sensors in “Smart” HVAC Systems . https://www.electronicdesign.com/industrial-automation/article/21806809/the-expanding-role-of-sensors-in-smart-hvac-systems. In this article, Manz (2018) discusses the growing function of sensors in “smart” HVAC systems. Sensors are crucial elements in most industrial systems and will be vital in assisting buildings save substantial amount of energy. Due to the acknowledgement of the need for attaining energy efficiency and improvement of technology needed to produce it, there is a current emphasis on connecting sensors to systems to create “intelligent” buildings. The goal of “intelligent” buildings is to facilitate predictive maintenance and create a more comfortable environment for occupants in addition to cutting down energy use. With the advancement of technology, analogue sensors are being replaced by digital sensors due to the many benefits brought about by improved functions. The author also m

Summary & Reader Response Draft 3

In the article “Porous Asphalt Is King of the Road”, PaveGreen (n.d.) claims that porous asphalt is the best pavement surface. Porous asphalt reduces water pollution as it prevents the washing off of pollutants from surfaces and allows water to be filtered naturally before reaching waterways. It is also used to create safer roads for wet and winter climates. In the event of rain, the prevention of water collection on the surface reduces splash and spray from vehicles. This improves the visibility of drivers therefore decreasing accidents. In winter climates, porous asphalt accelerates the melting of ice and snow. This allows for a cut in the use of anti-icing agents which in turn can potentially lessen winter maintenance costs and pollution from anti-icing agents. 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. The article provides the benefits of using porous asphalt, which

Summary

In the article “Porous Asphalt Is King of the Road”, PaveGreen (n.d.) claims that porous asphalt is the best pavement surface. Porous asphalt reduces water pollution as it prevents the washing off of pollutants from surfaces and allows water to be filtered naturally before reaching waterways. It is also used to create safer roads for wet and winter climates. In the event of rain, the prevention of water collection on the surface reduces splash and spray from vehicles. This improves the visibility of drivers therefore decreasing accidents. In winter climates, porous asphalt accelerates the melting of ice and snow. This allows for a cut in the use of anti-icing agents which in turn can potentially lessen winter maintenance costs and pollution from anti-icing agents. 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. Although the article talks about the benefits of the use of porous
Subject: Self-introduction Dear Professor Blackstone, I am Joel Neo from SIE 2016 T4. I am writing this letter to introduce myself, hoping that it will allow you to get to know me better. I graduated from Ngee Ann Polytechnic with a Diploma in Hotel and Leisure Facilities Management. It dawned on me that I had an interest in engineering when I found myself getting curious about how appliances around the house work and how to fix it should an issue arise. Other than an interest in engineering,  I also have an interest in music. I try to develop myself in this area by learning to play instruments and other musical skills. My strength in communication lies in the ability to adjust my manner of speaking befitting of the setting I am in. Should I be in a more formal environment such as a meeting, I am able to structure the way I speak fitting of the formal mood. My greatest shortcoming in communication is public speaking. I always feel uneasy speaking in front of a group of unfamiliar faces
“Employers identify communication as one of the basic competencies every graduate should have, asserting that the ability to communicate is valuable for obtaining employment and maintaining successful job performance.” Sherwyn Morreale, Michael Osborn & Judy Pearson, Professors of Communication (2000) Explanation: Employers label that every graduate should have the fundamental skill of communication. Proving to have the ability to communicate well is beneficial in getting employed and upholding outstanding work performance.