B7 - Course Reflection - Hamad Al-Hajri

Overall, the course was very informative and very interesting (Concept's wise). Also, I enjoyed the majority of the lectures, especially the ones in line with my interests. The materials covered were mostly directly related to the field of engineering. Therefore, it was extremely beneficial to learn how "New Technological Concepts" can be incorporated with our current engineering knowledge. Although the materials covered were extremely informative, I feel a three hours long lecture could make the students lose interest. However, some classes needed to be three hours long, like when we had guest lecturers over. Perhaps the best aspect of the class, in my opinion, was when we had practitioners over to tell us about their personal perspectives and gave great insights! I will be reflecting on the course in terms of the following:


Weekly Blog Posts: This was a major advantage because it helped me further explore concepts discussed in class and, consequently communicate my findings with my classmates. Furthermore, reading other posts and commenting on them was, also, very advantageous because it exposed me to other interesting concepts and personal experiences.

Assignments: Overall, the assignments helped me enormously expand my understanding and knowledge of a number of software. Although a novice Revit user, I was able to understand how to use and explore it's many capabilities (Adding Families..etc). The database assignment was also very helpful. I realized how important it is (Database Software) for corporations and firms, because it helps them organize valuable information. Finally, the final paper was, in my opinion, the most enjoyable assignment. It gave me the opportunity to explore parts of me I didn't know about. It made me realize that engineering is a much broader concept and can be effectively deployed in humanitarian aid, as well as, in many vital aspects of our life.

Personal Experience: In my opinion, it is a must class, especially for CAEE students. It was a fun and valuable experience for me. Although I learned a lot from the lectures, I learned a lot more outside of class. How? The assignments made us independently search for answers, research particular concepts, and write on whatever we find interesting. Furthermore, I wouldn't be surprised to learn that the technologies discussed in class are effectively deployed in the near future. Finally, the class, in my opinion, accommodated, at one point, the majority's interests. As a civil engineering major, I would very much recommend this class.


In conclusion, the syllabus and the workload were very reasonable. The materials covered gave us an introduction to potential technologies to be implemented in the near future. However, as stated in the class and by a number of guest lecturers, these technologies might have negative social impacts. Although change sometimes is good, necessary, and important, it can also be complex, messy and scary.

Comments :

Yasmina Shields:

I absolutely agree with you. After this class, I realized the potential of intelligent buildings and its impact on the world and us (CAE engineers). Furthermore, like you stated, compared to other industries we are still behind in terms of advancements and such, however, it is changing right now as the class proved so. Finally, this class gave us the chance to further expand our knowledge on how to use Revit.


Al-Qallaf:

I remember signing up for the class for the exact same reason. I felt after repetitive engineering courses it's time to take something different and unique. Also, the vast amount of emerging technologies discussed in class, like you stated, is just fascinating. I would also agree with you that after taking this class, I more aware of so many concepts, and software due to the assignments given in this class.