Web+2.0

//  Shawna Lee   // //  900605299   //  //   EDT3010   // //  Web2.0 Assignment   //

** __ Web 2.0 for the AEC Classroom  __ ** Many valuable online resources exist for promoting learning in the classroom. Depending on the classroom content, some tools can be used for podcasting lessons, collaborative learning, and sharing presentations. For the Building Industry and related classroom environments, some of the tools available include modeling and animation with open source content and creation, as well as sharing and presenting through web meetings, photosharing, and interactive storyboards. Here are just a few of these Web2.0 tools and resources found from []  and  http://cooltoolsforschools.wikispaces.com/.   Google Sketchup [] “Create 3D models, share them with the world and add them to Google Earth.” Google Sketchup is already a commonly used design tool. Creating 3d elements and environments is very user-friendly with Sketchup. The Warehouse is a sharing place to upload and download creations. The interoperability between Autodesk products such as AutoCAD, Revit, and 3ds Max creates a flexible design environment for sharing 3d components across platforms for further development. For example, with Sketchup, students can create 3d components easily such as tables and chairs, and then import them into Revit Architecture for use in the building model. Students can also peruse the gallery in the 3d Warehouse to find elements that have already been created and provided for other users. Animations and Walkthroughs are also easy to create and share.   Blender [] “Blender is the free open source 3D content creation suite, available for all major operating systems under the [|GNU General Public License] .”

Blender is a powerful 3d modeling, animating, and rendering tool. Users can create complex and detailed models, with realistic shading, lighting, and movement. Files are compatible with a multitude of other 2d and 3d applications. This is a high-end type of tool that Designers and Students can use to impart high levels of details and realism to any building project. The capabilities are extensive, allowing students to perform operations such as modeling Components for Revit Families, and mapping materials for later rendering. Additionally, animating flyovers of building projects includes many post-production effects to ramp up lighting, scenes, and perspective changes. Sound is available, as well, allowing users to add narration and music.   Floorplanner [] “Floorplanner is the easiest and best looking way to create and share interactive floor plans online. With simple drag and drop tools you can make accurate plans within minutes all on scale.” Floorplanner is a very simple*online* planning tool. Users can create 3d and 2d architectural plans and then share them online. Designers can manipulate rooms and furnishings, all to scale. Students can utilize this tool to create plans quickly and easily. Laying out floor areas is an important part of the design process, and Floorplanner is very user-friendly with many tools to help create a variety of iterations. This can help students maximize areas and develop concepts.   Yugma [] “Yugma free web conferencing allows anyone, anywhere to instantly share their desktop and ideas online with others.” “Use Yugma web conferencing for team meetings, webinars, sales presentations, online training, tutoring, brainstorming and more.” This is a great application that has many uses. An instructor can help guide a student in a long-distance learning environment. The Instructor can record and save the meeting, and publish it elsewhere to share with the rest of the class. Students can meet online to discuss group projects – without having to travel to campus. Other valuable features include Whiteboard annotations, and desktop sharing.   Mapwing [] “Mapwing makes it easy to build, share, and explore virtual tours. Use Mapwing to turn your digital photos into virtual tours that include interactive maps, images, and comments. Then, share your virtual tours with friends, clients, or the entire world. Begin creating your own virtual tours for Free.” This tool allows Users to create and share Virtual Tours. This is a great tool for AEC and Design, helping students to develop and share presentations. One way to utilize this tool is to develop a storyboard of design intent and development, with narrations of the project. Students can add these presentations as portfolio pieces, sharing the links with prospective employers.   Google Sites [] “Google Sites is a free and easy way to create and share webpages” Google is a prevalent aspect of the online community with free Gmail accounts, Google Docs, Calendar, and other organizational tools. The ability to share documents, photos, and other information is built-in. Google Sites is an extension of these capabilities, allowing users to create web pages for the classroom, for collaborative work, family projects – all for free. There are multiple ways students can utilize Google Sites. Creating personal sites for uploading individual design projects is one. Utilizing Google Sites to manage a group project and present the project is another. Additionally, the Instructor can create an overall site for the class, providing daily notes and additional information.