Assignment 1 Submission 2: Annotated Summary


The contents of this article discuss on the concept behind kinetic floor tiles and the effect of using it. According to Dr Winkleman et al. (2011) the ability for kinetic floor tiles to generate electricity is due to the “Piezoelectric Effect”; this phenomenon generates electrical charges when an external stress exerts on a piezoelectric material. It converts kinetic energy to electrical energy through a compression of 5 millimeters on the tiles by human footsteps and that energy generated can be used to power devices. The tiles are made up of a variety of recycled materials that have minimum impact on the environment, it is also made to last for 5 years and withstand harsh weather conditions. 

Dr Winkleman et al. also analyzes the positive and negative impacts such as social, environmental and economic effects of utilizing the technology. From social perspective, kinetic floor tiles help to change the way people view on sustainable changes. Furthermore, the article mentioned the environmental impact of using the technology, which cover the manufacturing, transportation, installation, operation and end of life stage. Each stage describes how the process impact the environment positively. Lastly, from economic point of view, the article analyzes a few case studies on countries that had implemented this technology. It allows us as an implementer to have a better understanding of the feasibility and viability of implementing kinetic footfall based on the outcomes of these case studies. In addition, the challenges that involved initial investment and maintenance cost is something that implementers should consider of as it is difficult to estimate, especially for new users like us. 

 In conclusion, the details about the concept of kinetic floor tile provide an insightful information for our technical report as it elaborated on how kinetic floor tiles work. The analysis of the various aspect of impacts reinforces the sustainability aspect of our research project as the technology has minimal impact on the environment as cited in the article.

References
Dr Winkelman,P., Ryan,E., Gagan,B., Bhogal,J. An Investigation into Pavegen Enery Generating Steps at the New Student Union Building. (2011, November 24). Retrieved from The University of British Columbia UBC sustainability: https://www.sustain.ubc.ca/sites/sustain.ubc.ca/files/seedslibrary/APSC261_2A_NewSUBAtrium_PavegenSteps_Group04_Merged%20Document.pdf


Comments

  1. Brien Cheow31 March 2020 at 04:32

    Hi Ken interesting article and definitely related to your project. I noticed that the tiles were made to last for 5 years from your summary. Could the tiles be made to last longer without affecting the conversion effectiveness of the tile? If it could, this "tiles" could literally be the next big thing to combat global warming!

    I do want to point out that the referencing/ citation should be at the top before your annotated summary. Otherwise good effort and keep up the good work bro!

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  2. Iskandar Khairuldin3 April 2020 at 07:54

    Hi Ken

    Honestly, this is my 1st time heard about kinetic floor tiles other that those colour-lighted tiles I have seen at kids play club.

    I would agree with Brien that reference citation should be at the start. Overall still a well-researched article from you that relates well with your project. Well done bro.

    regards

    Iskandar

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  3. JS3 April 2020 at 17:08

    Dear Ken

    Your annotated summary is great in the sense that I find the idea of having floor tiles to generate electricity groundbreaking. This is because the world can potentially adopt this idea to not only reduce their carbon footprint in this modern day and age when environmental issues are more pressing, but also save electricity costs by installing it in areas with high population density and high footfall. This makes the idea of implementing kinetic floor tiles desirable.

    If the tiles can be made to be very long lasting, it will make the implementation of kinetic floor tiles to be much more feasible and viable.

    Moving on, I would like to bring your attention to how you can improve your annotated summary.

    1) In the first sentence of your 1st paragraph, you wrote

    "The contents of this article discuss on the concept behind kinetic floor tiles and the effect of using it." I would suggest you write
    "The article discusses the concept behind kinetic floor tiles and the effects of using it."

    1.1) Notice that I removed "contents of this". Contents of the article do not discuss the concept, rather it is the article itself that discusses the concept.

    1.2) "...discusses the concept..." VS "discusses on the concept..." I think both are correct and choosing either is a mater of personal preference. Do check with Professor Brad on this

    1.3) Since you indicated in your second paragraph that there are more than 1 impact arising from the usage of the technology, it would be appropriate to include the alphabet "s" behind the word "effect" in the 1st sentence of the 1st paragraph to indicate there is more than 1 effect.

    2) In the second sentence of the 1st paragraph, "Dr Winkleman et al." should only be used in in text citations. You may choose to write "According to the article...." followed by an in text citation (Dr Winkleman et al., 2011) OR

    3) In the same sentence, include "," directly after "According to the article"

    4) In the 1st sentence of the 2nd paragraph, the same issue described in number 2 is observed again

    5) In the 3rd sentence of the 2nd paragraph, there is inconsistency in tense.

    6) In the last sentence of the 2nd paragraph, remove the word "of" after consider as it is not needed.

    7) In the 1st sentence of the last paragraph, remove the space before the first word "In...".

    8) In the same sentence, you can choose either "...provide insightful information..." OR "...provide an insight...". I unfortunately do not know how to explain your mistake in proper terms to you other than giving you suggestions. You may wish to seek advice from Professor Brad and let me know his explanation too.

    9) As both Brien and Iskandar have pointed out, your reference/ end of text citation should be written before your annotated summary.

    I am heartened by your clear attempts to improve your communication skills in this effective communication module and I am confident you will achieve your goals you have set in your introduction letter!

    All the best in your upcoming exams!

    Best wishes
    Jiang Seng

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Loh Ken Wen3 April 2020 at 23:15

      Thank you for taking the time to read my annotated summary, I will take note of the mistakes you point out.

      With regards,
      Loh Ken Wen

      Delete

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