KA4030 - Digital Built Environment

The module is taught through seminars and workshops which will be arranged in 3 blocks across the year. These sessions mainly will take place in IT Labs but time to time, you will be based at the Construction Labs and learning innovative digital tools such as 3D printing and 3D scanning.
Seminars will be used to introduce and discuss the theoretical issues based around digital technologies within built environment and whereas the workshops will provide opportunities to practice and asses the usability of these various digital tools within specific subject area. Learning packs will be provided for each of the diverse skill sets you will need to employ in this module. These packs will be in a variety of formats and may include tutorials, links to tutorials, directed tasks etc. You will experiment during these hand-on sessions in Northumbria’s IT labs, which are fully equipped with the latest industry standard software.

If you are in employment your workplace will be the main learning environment, in effect acting as a framework for digital built environment. However, tutor support will be available via drop-in sessions throughout the module study period. If you are in employment it is recognised that there is the need for modes of blended learning delivery, experiential assessment, and opportunities to combine work and study through independent study, embedded learning opportunities, and relevant communications technologies. Lecture capture will be used to elaborate on the content contained in any teaching material along with audio recording and notes to support presentations on key topics.

There will be three intensive blocks of study that and these take place within three separate weeks at the start, around the middle and at the end of the module. Students will receive prolonged access to staff during these periods and in-between which contact will be maintained using traditional means and e-learning platforms such as Blackboard and PebblePad, supported by distance learning materials. During workshops and the informal meetings held outside of the core teaching times you will receive formative feedback on your practical skills. The University’s e-Learning portal will also have the learning materials to support the both directed and independent learning.

If you are in employment your workplace will be the main learning environment, however, tutor support will be available via drop-in sessions throughout the module study period. The eLP, telephone and email will be used as a means of communication once the initial briefings have taken place and work-based visits will be made by tutors if appropriate.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

Knowledge & Understanding:
• MLO1: You will develop an understanding of architectural drawings and how to read and produce them.
• MLO2: You will gain awareness of digital technologies in within AEC industry.
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• MLO3: You will gain efficiencies in information management tools and techniques for the AEC industry.
• MLO4: You will be able to produce subject specific documentations (written or visual) to convey information.
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• MLO5: You will establish an understanding of digital communication ethics and practices.

There will be both summative and formative assessment in this module and summative assessment has one component: individual digital portfolio.

Formative assessment will be through progress reviews where you will be expected to demonstrate your developing skills and knowledge related to the topics of study. During these reviews, you will receive verbal feedback for you to further develop your digital portfolio (MLO3 and MLO4).

Summative assessment will be via the submission of an individual Digital Portfolio encompassing your progress reviews and evidence of your skills and knowledge in relation to digital communication and technologies. The digital portfolio will be worth (100%) of the module mark and assess MLOs 1-5. Feedback will be offered in verbal and written form which will provide advice for further development and a critical appraisal of work and performance.

Moderation will take place at the end of the module.

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Utilising digital communication technologies within built environment sector is a fairly recent concept if we compare these to the established practices like drawing boards, blueprints etc. Acceptance and application of these tools within built environment sector has been slow but as the industry moves towards a more integrated process, the importance and advantages of correct, co-ordinated and managed information is being recognised. In this module, you will be introduced to the fundamental principles of digital tools that can be utilized within built environment sector. This introduction will enable you to develop an understanding of the ways in which different modes of collecting and using digital data within subject specific areas and will help you to make appropriate strategic decisions about digital tools in different situations.

If you are in employment your workplace will act as a framework for digital built environment to develop your skills and knowledge.