Thursday 19 May 2011

Mindset & learning

Does multi-tasking give you a real or false sense of having accomplished something?

Like the article suggests, multi-tasking does give us a false sense of having accomplished something. This is probably because we're using our brains more than usual, such that we have the illusion that we're doing better than usual. I feel that multi-tasking takes a toll on the quality of our work. For example, if we're working on a piece of work while facebooking, texting and whatnot, the amount of effort that goes into the piece of work would be a lot lesser than if we just work on the piece of work without distractions. 

As for me, I feel that multi-tasking is sometimes acceptable, depending on the situation. For example, if I'm studying for an exam or trying to complete a complex and important project, I'll most likely only focus on my work. However, if the workload is less stressful, I might multi-task, probably listening to music and snacking at the same time. Although it gives us a false sense of having accomplished something, multi-tasking also allows us to complete several tasks at the same time. Hence, I feel that there're both advantages and disadvantages when it comes to multi-tasking.

Is learning 3D and design different from learning programming, or is all learning the same? Why?

To me, 3D design is very different from programming. I'll probably compare them with art and mathematics respectively. In 3D design, we've to be creative and observant to create realistic or impressive models, whereas in programming, we've to be really careful and sure with codes as one mistake might cause the program to have errors.  

I feel that 3D design is easier for me. This is probably due to the factor of interest. I've always been interested in art and modeling, hence I pay more attention to the subject. When modeling, our models might be different from others, in the sense that there isn't any right or wrong, as long as we fulfill the criteria. Whereas for programming, I find it really dry and hard to understand, as there're many 'rules' to follow and one mistake might cause the programe to fail.
Hence, learning is different for different subjects as there're many factors to consider.

The article that states that "Learning is actually a very complex operation for an individual”. Do you agree with this? Do you feel that you approach your learning in the best way – if yes, how, and if no, how can you change your work style?
Personally, I agree to a small extent, as feel that this statement is dependent on the individual. No doubt, some people tend to learn faster than others. This might be due to their approaches to learning, or might just be the way their brains work. Hence, for the slow learners, learning might be more complex and time consuming for them.

My approach in learning might not be the best way, but I feel that it's alright for me. I say this because my mind cannot hold loads of information for a long period of time. That's why, during exams, I do last minute studying. If I study a week before a test, all the information gets lost before the week ends. If I study the night before a test, it still holds the information the next day for my test. I know this isn't the best way to learn, but I've to accomodate to myself. However, I am trying to understand more, rather than memorising the information.

What are your thoughts about the last paragraph in the extract?

I agree with Nass that states that law students probably are not sitting there thinking, Boy, I'd rather play Freecell than learn the law. If they're attending the class, it shows that they have at least a drop of interest in the subject. If they'd rather play Freecell, they wouldn't even attend the class. "Boy, I can do something really easy, or I can do something really hard." I agree with this statement, as I think it's a choice the individual has to make. It's really easy to give in to temptation, and we can't really blame a person if he's more interested in Freecell rather than law, can we? However, a commited individual would curb the temptation and pay attention in class, and he really needs to, will play Freecell during another time.

Should your lecturer also focus on your work attitude, or just leave you to sink or swim on your own? Why?
I feel that lecturers should focus on our work attitude, but not to a very great extent. They should monitor our work from time to time, and if something seems wrong, find out the cause of it and try to solve it with us. If our grades are deproving due to other distractions such as games, our lecturers should definitely step in to give us advice. However, they should also give us a little freedom in the sense that they should not tell us how to learn and expect us to follow it strictly. This is because we all have different learning approaches and for learning, 'one size definitely doesn't fit all'. 

Wednesday 18 May 2011

Vase

Process:


Similar to modeling the bucket, I used the CV curve tool to draw the outline first.


I then used the revolve function to obtain my vase!


Reflection:

This exercise is fairly simple, after finishing the bucket exercise. It requires only a few simple steps!

Track

Process:


In this exercise, I had to trace the outline of the cross-section of the track from an image. I learnt how to use the create polygon tool to form polygons according to what I want, rather than use the polygons provided. Initially, I had difficulty in trying to adjust the vertices of the polygon as I couldn't seem to get to the vertices view. Hence, I asked my classmates for help and he explained to me how it was done. The other parts of the exercise were fairly easy as they were mainly using extruding and beveling. Initially, I thought creating the curved track would be alot of work. However, it was quite simple and required only a few steps.

Sunday 15 May 2011

Bucket


Process:


Firstly, I created a polygonal plane and used the CV curve tool to traced the template to obtain the above figure.


I then used the revolve tool to form the body of the bucket.


I used the extrude tool and bevel function to create tabs at both sides of the bucket. And used boolean difference function to create holes by intersecting the tab with cylinders.


I then used the CV curve tool to draw the outline of and revolved it to form a connector. This proved challenging as the size of grids shown in the image of the instructions is different from the one I was using, Hence, I had to draw accordingly to my own estimation. It turned out well in the end. After that, I used the duplicate special function to achieve another connector on the opposite side.





The handle was a little more challenging. I used the CV curve tool to draw the basic shape of the handle for one side, as well as the cross section. I then used the extrude tool to form the handle. Lastly, I used mirror geometry to obtain a symmetrical handle on the other side.


At first, my handle looked out of shape and weird. But by using the soft modification tool, I was able to transform the handle into a more realistic version by varying the thickness of it.


Lastly, I used the rotate tool to rotate the handle to a more natural position, forming my final product!

Reflection:

I found this exercise a lot more challenging as compared to the previous ones. It's probably because we had to draw shapes on our own by using the CV curve tool to trace images, rather than use polygons that are already provided. The instructions were slightly unclear, which posed quite a few problems, but I figured them out with the help of my classmates. I've learnt more about mirror geometry as well as revolving from this exercise which I find really useful! Overall, I feel accomplished that I can complete my bucket!

Washboard


Process: 


I started by creating a board-like shape with many subdivisions from a cube to form the glass. I proceeded to beveling and extruding the subdivisions to achieve the above image. I then beveled the new form edges once more to get a more natural look.


I then created more cuboids to form the panel, header, stringers and legs. By using the align and move tool, I aligned the objects to form the washboard as seen above.


Lastly, I beveled the edges to finish it up.

Reflection: 

Modeling the washboard is definitely much easier than modeling a bucket. This is probably becasue the polygons used in creating a washboard are all formed with cubes, which is the simplest to work with. The instructions given were also clear and the functions were familiar to work with, such as beveling and extruding.
However, I still had slight problems figuring out how to use the align tool, but I got it in the end.

Sunday 1 May 2011

Companion robot


Dimmy. Zimmy's companion.

Lab 2 - Primitive Robot.

Primmy (Original robot)



Zimmy (Modified robot)







Primmy was built by well-known child genius, Jimmy Neutron, to look after his five year-old younger brother, Jimmy Neutrino. When his brother, also a genius, modifies Primmy's main circuit boar, Primmy goes into a modified "Protect & Survive" mode. Primmy overrides all the house's security systems. After modification, Zimmy is born. Armed with eyes that emit laserbeams at will, powerful shoulder canons and sword-sharp arm extensions, Zimmy is made to kill anyone who tries to enter. Guarded by the locked security system now programmed to keep them "safe" inside the house, Jimmy Neutron and his brother have only thirty minutes to disable Zimmy before their parents arrive home and are fried to lazer-beam cinders!