Critical Thinking Reflection

Module Learning:

In the Critical Thinking and Communication module, I set two goals that I have set for myself when this module commences: refining my report writing skills and overcoming my nervousness when presenting to an audience. Throughout this module, I have made significant progress toward achieving these objectives.

Firstly, I gained knowledge of the American Psychological Association (APA) citation style, which was previously unfamiliar to me. While I was comfortable with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) citation style, I had never learned to use in-text citations in my writing. Learning APA citation style, including both in-text and image citations, was a valuable skill enhancement. Now I can apply this knowledge not only in my studies but also in my upcoming integrated work-study program (IWSP), capstone project, and career.

Secondly, the module provided me with opportunities to gradually overcome my nervousness in public speaking. Professor Blackstone's approach of allowing us to read sentences and paragraphs aloud in class significantly contributed to building my confidence in both public speaking and writing. These routines enabled me to present myself more effectively to others, a skill that would help me in various aspects of my academic and career life.

Overall, the Critical Thinking and Communication module has been useful and essential in enhancing my report writing skills, familiarising me with APA citation style, and boosting my confidence in public speaking. These newfound abilities are valuable assets that I will continue to refine and utilize as I progress in my academic and career.

Project Learning:

Reflecting on my presentation during the research project, I encountered challenges that significantly influenced my learning journey. During my proposal presentation, I struggled with nervousness, recognising the critical importance of thorough preparation and rehearsal to effectively convey ideas. Moving forward, I intend to conduct multiple dry runs and refine my skills to enhance future presentations.

In my writing, I identified flaws in grammar and articulation, emphasizing the need for continuous improvement. I challenged myself to enhance my proficiency by seeking guidance and regular practice.

Transitioning from independent work to collaborative teamwork was another pivotal aspect of this project. Taking on the role of a team leader provided me with valuable insights into effective communication, delegation, and collaboration. I learned firsthand the importance of fostering synergy within the team, leveraging individual strengths, and navigating challenges collectively.

Reflecting on these experiences, I realize that learning is not merely about acquiring knowledge but also about personal and professional growth. Each challenge and setback encountered along the way serves as an opportunity for improvement.

In conclusion, this project has reshaped my perspective on learning and development, highlighting areas for improvement in presentation, writing, and teamwork skills. I am grateful for the insights gained and look forward to applying them in future endeavors.

Contributions to the Research Project

1. My team and I collaborated to compile the minutes by summarising and documenting our respective pitches.

2. Initially, my team voted and finalized the research topic that I proposed: a robot cleaner with multiple functions.

3. However, after much discussion, we decided to switch to the mall restroom queue application due to a lack of knowledge and expertise in robotics.

4. I contributed by researching the availability of existing crowd-management solutions and software applications through various websites, studying different types of software, and programming languages, as well as the workflow involved in creating an application. I then incorporated my findings into the introduction section of the technical report.

5. Additionally, I have contributed to the research on the software required for our proposed solution. This involved exploring various websites to identify the most suitable development platforms and programming languages compatible with iOS and Android. Furthermore, I researched the types of application programming interfaces (APIs) to utilise and the graphical user interfaces (GUIs) that can be tailored to fit the screens of iOS and Android phones. Additionally, I researched backend systems capable of efficiently connecting to the sensor and transmitting data to the application.

Design Proposal Video Pitch

QueueSync  

Revolutionising Restroom Experiences:

A Comprehensive Smart Queue Management Proposal 

Summary - Reader Response - Draft 3

The article, “From Use of Green Materials to Renewable Energy: Green Airports are the Future of Air Travel” by Kulkarni (2022), explores the advantages and features of a green airport. A green airport refers to a more environmentally friendly infrastructure that reduces the ecological footprint of airport operations contributing to high carbon emissions. With the increasing concern about global warming in recent years, ideas of green airports have been introduced to mitigate the negative impact of airport operations on the environment (Kulkarni, 2022). Green airports' unique features set them apart in fostering environmental sustainability within the aviation industry. Its energy-efficient design prioritizes the maximization of natural lighting reducing the need for artificial lighting (Durgut, 2023). Additionally, a green airport uses eco-friendly and recycled building materials, reducing construction's negative effects on the environment (Kulkarni, 2022). Lastly, another distinctive feature of a green airport is the active participation in carbon offset programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions with airport operations (Hosari, 2022). With these advanced features, a green airport becomes an infrastructure with multifaceted benefits. The effectiveness of green airport initiatives is evident in Singapore Changi Airport (SCA), recognized as the world’s best airport, serving as a benchmark for emerging green airports with its energy-efficient design, eco-friendly and recycled building materials, and active participation in the carbon offset program.

 

SCA employs innovative designs to enhance energy efficiency and minimize its environmental impact. A notable example would be the strategic deployment of photocell sensors. These sensors, installed in terminal areas that receive ample natural light, are pivotal features implemented by the Changi Airport Group. It intelligently detects daylight levels and adjusts artificial lighting, accordingly, ensuring optimal illumination and economical energy usage. This not only effectively reduces reliance on artificial lighting in well-lit spaces but also contributes significantly to energy conservation and sustainability (Changi Airport Group, 2021). Complementing this initiative, dnata, a global air and travel services provider has integrated a 3.5 megawatt-peak rooftop solar panel power system into its operations at SCA. This installation spans across the cargo and catering facilities, showcasing a commitment to renewable energy (Chandak, 2022). As Utilities One (2023) emphasizes, "By minimizing energy consumption and utilizing renewable sources, energy-efficient buildings significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions." With the help of the solar power system, it enables a substantial 20% annual reduction in electricity-related carbon emissions in Singapore (Chandak, 2022).

 

The incorporation of eco-friendly and recycled building materials stands out as a distinctive feature of green airports, reflecting a commitment to minimizing environmental impact through conscientious material choices. At SCA, this commitment is exemplified in the reconstruction of the aircraft parking bay. Typically, such aircraft parking bays have a lifespan of 25 years; this leads to the disposal of old materials as construction waste and the introduction of new construction materials, often comprising a concrete mix with 100% new stone (Changi Airport Group, 2019). In contrast, SCA employs a sustainable approach by utilizing recycled concrete in its construction projects. According to Changi Airport Group (2019), an engineering collaboration with a local university has resulted in a concrete design mix that incorporates 50% new stones and 50% recycled stones. This approach extends the life of existing materials and reduces the demand for new resources. By adopting these practices, SCA contributes to the overall reduction of the construction industry's ecological impact.

 

Active participation in the carbon offset program is another unique feature of a green airport. At SCA, travelers can calculate their carbon emissions based on flight origin, destination, and class of travel through the Changi Airport website or app (Changi Airport Group, 2023). According to the Straits Times, this program “supports environmental projects such as rainforest preservation and the construction of solar energy projects across India” (Loi,2023). These programs help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions with airport operations by compensating for their greenhouse gas emissions by investing in projects that reduce an equivalent number of emissions elsewhere.

 

However, as the SCA expands in the future, the increasing air traffic will surpass its existing facilities, demanding more land to accommodate future expansion and travel demand. SCA has been looking for ways to address this issue such as utilizing land reclamation, through this SCA can continue to uphold its position as the world’s best airport, fostering sustainable growth with minimal impact on the environment (Han, 2023).

 

In conclusion, SCA is a prime example of a green airport and indicates a significant move towards more sustainable aviation practices. The implementation of energy-efficient designs the use of eco-friendly materials and active participation in carbon offset programs, these initiatives showcase the industry's commitment to environmental responsibility. Despite potential challenges such as land limitation, the combined efforts of these initiatives significantly help reduce the environmental impact linked to airport operations. 

References

 

Assessing the environmental impact of energy-efficient buildings. Utilities One. (2023, November 20). https://utilitiesone.com/assessing-the-environmental-impact-of-energy-efficient-buildings
 
Chandak, P. (2022, April 25). Dnata installs 3.5 MW Rooftop Solar System at Changi Airport, Singapore. SolarQuarter. https://solarquarter.com/2022/04/25/dnata-installs-3-5-mw-rooftop-solar-system-at-changi-airport-singapore%EF%BF%BC%EF%BF%BC%EF%BF%BC/
 
Changi Airport Group. (2019, March). Recycling concrete - Paving the way to a sustainable future.
https://www.changiairport.com/corporate/sustainability/sustainable-changi/recycle-concrete.html#:~:text=Through%20an%20engineering%20collaboration%20with,durability%20of%20the%20 parking%20 bays.
 
Changi Airport Group. (n.d.). CAG Sustainability Report 2021.PDF. https://www.changiairport.com/content/dam/cacorp/sustainability/sustainable-changi/sustainability-report/CAG%20SUSTAINABILITY%20REPORT%202021.pdf
 
Durgut, M. (2023, January 29). Green and eco-friendly airports: The Future of Air Travel. https://www.aviationfile.com/green-and-eco-friendly-airports/#:~:text=Energy%20Efficiency%3A%20Green%20airports%20make,systems%20to%20reduce%20energy%20consumption
 
Han, Z. (2023, December 10). 6 challenges faced by Changi Airport. Your Comfort Trip. https://yourcomforttrip.com/challenges-faced-by-changi-airport/
 
Hosari, O. (2022, July 28). The rise of Green Airports. LinkedIn.
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/rise-green-airports-omar-hosari
 
Kulkarni, S. (2022, April 13). From use of green materials to renewable energy: Green airports are the future of Air Travel. Aviation Pros. https://www.aviationpros.com/airports/article/21260263/from-use-of-green-materials-to-renewable-energy-green-airports-are-the-future-of-air-travel
 
Loi, Esther. (2023, 15 November). Passengers can offset carbon emissions from air travel under new Changi Airport initiative.
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/changi-airport-rolls-out-carbon-offset-programme-for-passengers

Summary- Reader Response Draft 1 & 2

The article, “From Use of Green Materials to Renewable Energy: Green Airports are the Future of Air Travel” by Kulkarni (2022), explores the advantages and features of a green airport. A green airport refers to a more environmentally friendly infrastructure that reduces the ecological footprint of airport operations contributing to high carbon emissions. With the increasing concern about global warming in recent years, ideas of green airports have been introduced to mitigate the negative impact of airport operations on the environment (Kulkarni, 2022). Green airports' unique features set them apart in fostering environmental sustainability within the aviation industry. Its energy-efficient design prioritizes the maximization of natural lighting reducing the need for artificial lighting. (Durgut, 2023). Additionally, a green airport uses eco-friendly and recycled building materials, reducing construction's negative effects on the environment (Kulkarni, 2022). Lastly, another distinctive feature of a green airport is the active participation in carbon offset programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions with airport operations (Hosari, 2022). With these advanced features, a green airport becomes an infrastructure with multifaceted benefits. The effectiveness of green airport initiatives is evident in Singapore Changi Airport (SCA), recognized as the world’s best airport, serving as a benchmark for emerging green airports addressing the challenges posed by global warming. SCA employs innovative designs to enhance energy efficiency and minimize its environmental impact. A notable example would be the strategic deployment of photocell sensors. These sensors, installed in terminal areas that receive ample natural light, are pivotal features implemented by the Changi Airport Group. It intelligently detects daylight levels and adjusts artificial lighting accordingly, ensuring optimal illumination and economical energy usage. This not only effectively reduces reliance on artificial lighting in well-lit spaces but also contributes significantly to energy conservation and sustainability (Changi Airport Group, 2021). Complementing this initiative, dnata, a global air and travel services provider has integrated a 3.5 megawatt-peak rooftop solar panel power system into its operations at SCA. This installation spans across the cargo and catering facilities, showcasing a commitment to renewable energy (Chandak, 2022). As Utilities One (2023) emphasizes, "By minimizing energy consumption and utilizing renewable sources, energy-efficient buildings significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions." With the help of the solar power system, it enables a substantial 20% annual reduction in electricity-related carbon emissions in Singapore (Chandak, 2022). The incorporation of eco-friendly and recycled building materials stands out as a distinctive feature of green airports, reflecting a commitment to minimizing environmental impact through conscientious material choices. At SCA, this commitment is exemplified in the reconstruction of the aircraft parking bay. Typically, such aircraft parking bays have a lifespan of 25 years; this leads to the disposal of old materials as construction waste and the introduction of new construction materials, often comprising a concrete mix with 100% new stone (Changi Airport Group, 2019). In contrast, SCA employs a sustainable approach by utilizing recycled concrete in its construction projects. According to Changi Airport Group (2019), an engineering collaboration with a local university has resulted in a concrete design mix that incorporates 50% new stones and 50% recycled stones. This approach not only extends the life of existing materials but also reduces the demand for new resources. By adopting these practices, SCA contributes to the overall reduction of the construction industry's ecological impact. Active participation in the carbon offset program is another unique feature of a green airport. At SCA, travelers have the option to calculate their carbon emissions based on flight origin, destination, and class of travel through the Changi Airport website or app (Changi Airport Group, 2023). According to the Straits Times, this program “supports environmental projects such as rainforest preservation and the construction of solar energy projects across India”(Loi,2023). These programs help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions with airport operations by compensating for their greenhouse gas emissions by investing in projects that reduce an equivalent amount of emissions elsewhere. However, as the airline industry moves towards more sustainable practices, passengers may face higher airfare prices. Airlines need to invest in the latest, more efficient planes compared to their current planes(France 24, 2021). This problem can be minimized by gradually implementing sustainable practices to reduce immediate financial impacts. In conclusion, SCA is a prime example of a green airport and it indicates a significant move towards more sustainable aviation practices. The implementation of energy-efficient designs to the use of eco-friendly materials and active participation in carbon offset programs, these initiatives showcase the industry's commitment to environmental responsibility. Despite potential challenges such airfare increases may arise, the combined efforts of these initiatives significantly help reduce the environmental impact linked to airport operations.

References 

Kulkarni, S. (2022, April 13). From use of green materials to renewable energy: Green airports are the future of Air Travel. Aviation Pros. https://www.aviationpros.com/airports/article/21260263/from-use-of-green-materials-to-renewable-energy-green-airports-are-the-future-of-air-travel

Durgut, M. (2023, January 29). Green and eco-friendly airports: The Future of Air Travel. https://www.aviationfile.com/green-and-eco-friendly-airports/#:~:text=Energy%20Efficiency%3A%20Green%20airports%20make,systems%20to%20reduce%20energy%20consumption.

Hosari, O. (2022, July 28). The rise of Green Airports. LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/rise-green-airports-omar-hosari

Changi Airport Group. (n.d.). CAG Sustainability Report 2021.PDF. https://www.changiairport.com/content/dam/cacorp/sustainability/sustainable-changi/sustainability-report/CAG%20SUSTAINABILITY%20REPORT%202021.pdf

Assessing the environmental impact of energy-efficient buildings. Utilities One. (2023, November 20). https://utilitiesone.com/assessing-the-environmental-impact-of-energy-efficient-buildings

Chandak, P. (2022, April 25). Dnata installs 3.5 MW Rooftop Solar System at Changi Airport, Singapore. SolarQuarter. https://solarquarter.com/2022/04/25/dnata-installs-3-5-mw-rooftop-solar-system-at-changi-airport-singapore%EF%BF%BC%EF%BF%BC%EF%BF%BC/

Changi Airport Group. (2019, March). Recycling concrete - Paving the way to a sustainable future. 

https://www.changiairport.com/corporate/sustainability/sustainable-changi/recycle-concrete.html#:~:text=Through%20an%20engineering%20collaboration%20with,durability%20of%20the%20 parking%20 bays.

Loi, Esther. (2023, 15 November). Passengers can offset carbon emissions from air travel under new Changi Airport initiative. 

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/changi-airport-rolls-out-carbon-offset-programme-for-passengers

France 24. (2021, October 22). Flying Green will be more expensive. https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20211022-flying-green-will-be-more-expensive

Summary Draft 2

With the rise of global warming in recent years, ideas of green airports have been introduced to mitigate the issue of global warming. A green airport refers to a more environmentally friendly infrastructure that reduces the ecological footprint of airport operations contributing to high carbon emissions. Singapore Changi Airport (SCA), the world’s best airport, would be a fine example. The infrastructure incorporates features such as maximizing natural lighting and ventilation. Research has shown “numerous benefits for both the environment and building occupants. When applied together, they create a synergy that optimizes energy efficiency, enhances indoor air quality, and improves overall occupant well-being”(Utilities One,2023). Additionally, SCA uses eco-friendly and recycled building materials such as recycled concrete that is made up of “50% new stones and 50% recycled stones in a concrete design mix.”(Changi Airport Group,2019). Therefore, it not only protects natural resources but also prevents wastage. Lastly, the airport initiated a carbon offsetting program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions with airport operations. According to the Straits Times, this program “supports environmental projects such as rainforest preservation and the construction of solar energy projects across India”(Loi,2023). With these advanced features, a Green Airport becomes an infrastructure with multifaceted benefits. Given the effectiveness of green airport initiatives in addressing the challenge of global warming, Singapore Changi Airport stands as a benchmark for emerging green airports.

References

Utilities  One. (2023, 29 October). Daylighting and Natural Ventilation Synergistics Strategies in Construction.

https://utilitiesone.com/daylighting-and-natural-ventilation-synergistic-strategies-in-construction

Changi Airport Group. (2019, March). Recycling concrete - Paving the way to a sustainable future. 

https://www.changiairport.com/corporate/sustainability/sustainable-changi/recycle-concrete.html#:~:text=Through%20an%20engineering%20collaboration%20with,durability%20of%20the%20 parking%20 bays.

Loi, Esther. (2023, 15 November). Passengers can offset carbon emissions from air travel under new Changi Airport initiative. 

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/changi-airport-rolls-out-carbon-offset-programme-for-passengers

Summary Draft 1

With the rise of global warming in recent years, ideas of green airports have been introduced to mitigate the issue of global warming. A green airport refers to a more environmentally friendly infrastructure that reduces the ecological footprint of airport operations contributing to high carbon emissions. Singapore Changi Airport (SCA), the world’s best airport, would be a fine example. The infrastructure incorporates features such as maximizing natural lighting and ventilation. Research has shown “numerous benefits for both the environment and building occupants. When applied together, they create a synergy that optimizes energy efficiency, enhances indoor air quality, and improves overall occupant well-being”(Utilities One,2023). Additionally, SCA uses eco-friendly and recycled building materials such as recycled concrete that is made up of “50% new stones and 50% recycled stones in a concrete design mix.”(Changi Airport Group,2019). Therefore, it not only protects natural resources but also prevents wastage. Lastly, the airport initiated a carbon offsetting program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions with airport operations. According to the Straits Times, this program “supports environmental projects such as rainforest preservation and the construction of solar energy projects across India”(Loi,2023). With these advanced features, a Green Airport becomes an infrastructure with multifaceted benefits.

References

Utilities  One. (2023, 29 October). Daylighting and Natural Ventilation Synergistics Strategies in Construction.

https://utilitiesone.com/daylighting-and-natural-ventilation-synergistic-strategies-in-construction

Changi Airport Group. (2019, March). Recycling concrete - Paving the way to a sustainable future. 

https://www.changiairport.com/corporate/sustainability/sustainable-changi/recycle-concrete.html#:~:text=Through%20an%20engineering%20collaboration%20with,durability%20of%20the%20 parking%20 bays.

Loi, Esther. (2023, 15 November). Passengers can offset carbon emissions from air travel under new Changi Airport initiative. 

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/changi-airport-rolls-out-carbon-offset-programme-for-passengers

Initial Research Pathway

Description of a Green Airport

Changi Airport Jewel
Image from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infrastructure_of_Changi_Airport

Descriptive Reflection (Formal Introductory Letter)

Dear Professor Blackstone,

I am Nadiah, from class S16, enrolled in the critical thinking and communication module under your guidance.

I graduated from Temasek Polytechnic in 2023 with a diploma in biomedical engineering. My education journey had a slightly different route compared to my peers, as I attended the Institute of Technical Education prior to entering the polytechnic.

In 2020, I graduated Institute of Technical Education with a Higher Nitec certificate in precision engineering, and in 2018 with a Nitec certificate in medical manufacturing technology. 

I was offered a part-time job by my polytechnic internship company. It gave me the opportunity to actively contribute to both the biomedical engineering department as well as the operations and facilities department. I got to participate in renovation work for the company's expansion, necessitating frequent travel for site visits and interactions with various vendors and contractors. The experience significantly influenced my decision to specialize in civil engineering, which is what I am currently pursuing. 

During my free time, I find joy in watching a variety of shows and movies across genres, including documentaries, comedy, and romance. Additionally, I enjoy spending time with my friends.

My strength in communication skills is that I am an active listener. This skill enables me to understand others' perspectives, foster empathy, build trust, and establish rapport. However, I find it a challenge when it comes to public speaking, causing me to have anxiety.

I have two goals to achieve in this module. Firstly, I aim to overcome the nervousness that I may experience during presentations, in hopes of feeling more at ease and confident in front of an audience. Furthermore, I am committed to refining my report writing, with a specific emphasis on improving grammar. I am looking forward to learning and improving myself in your class.

Thank you for your time. 

Yours Sincerely, 

Nadiah

The Importance of communication skills for engineers

 “Communication skills are an essential component in the education of

engineering students to facilitate not just students’ education but also to 

prepare them for their future careers.”

I fully agree with this statement. In my opinion, one of the sole purposes of learning and education is to prepare us for the outside world. While studying hard and getting good grades are important, we should also strive to acquire other skills in school. Take, for instance, communication skills. School provides ample opportunities for us to learn and improve on our communication skills. Simple actions such as stepping out of our comfort zone by answering a question or striking up a conversation with a fellow classmate could go a long way in building the foundations of good communication. 

The engineering industry is a place where teamwork is essential and is unavoidable. Building strong communication skills can greatly benefit students as they enter the workforce. It enables them to be able to discuss and voice out their opinions easily and ultimately improve teamwork as a whole. Therefore, communication skills are a crucial aspect of education for engineering students and should not be disregarded.