Reflection | Nicholas Zitterbart

ABET Outcome Survey
Important Note: These outcomes reflect a personal (student) assessment of the course, not the instructor's assessment.

ABET Outcomes for AE 481W/482	Outcome not able to be assessed	Level of ability demonstrated but below acceptable	Minimum acceptable level of ability demonstrated	More than minimum level of ability demonstrated
ABET Outcomes for AE 481W/482	(Score of 0)	(Score of 1)	(Score of 2)	(Score of 3)
a. An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering				X
b. An ability to analyze and interpret data				X
c. An ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs			X
e. An ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems			X
f. An understanding of professional and ethical responsibility				X
g. An ability to communicate effectively				X
h. The broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global and societal context				X
i. An ability to engage in life-long learning				X
j. A knowledge of contemporary issues				X
k. An ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice				X
o. Engineering design capabilities in at least two (2) of the (3) basic curriculum areas of architectural engineering, and that design has been integrated across the breadth of the program			X
p. Communication and interaction with other design professionals in the execution of building projects				X

The writing requirements for this course were both challenging and unique, but offered great opportunity for growth in technical writing. Each technical assignment in the Fall semester included various topics about the building projects that could be well executed and detailed through proper writing. It was a challenge to present the required text in a professional and technical style, however the course and its requirements ultimately proved to be a great opportunity for growth in future writing. By completing this course, it enables us as future construction managers and engineers to more effectively communicate to our peers and coworkers in the industry.

The requirements to complete the three technical assignments, building statistics, abstract, proposal, and final report seemed very daunting at the beginning of the course. However, each assignment was properly outlined to give us, as students, a guideline for thorough completion. At times it was difficult to contact industry members and manufacturers to gain more insight and information with particular design inquires and fabrication processes. These accounts challenged my professional development as an individual and motivated me to find solution methods to each potential issue. In doing so, I can say that my problem solving skills and communication with professionals of the industry has grown even more. By executing the four separate – yet connected – analyses, I was able to gain further engineering problem solving experience.

Ultimately, the technical education and communication skills, both through technical writing and verbal conversation, acquired throughout this course will provide a foundation to build upon when entering the AEC Industry.

The course website was also a challenge at the beginning of the course and took additional effort to create unique webpages. The software itself was foreign to my current abilities and more time was spent learning the aspects of the design software. In the same manner, I felt the software limited the ability to create a unique and modern web page design. In overcoming these obstacles, this website was a very useful tool for both myself and faculty members. It provided an interactive tool for me to communicate my assignments and research to the faculty members for effective grading purposes. It also provides an all-encompassing portfolio of the entire course work in one single location. This portfolio can then be easily reviewed by industry members, faculty, students, friends and family to show the work and goals accomplished throughout the course.