#remote college

[hellapainyo]

quarantine moods are taking a nap halfway through a paper and eating ice cream halfway through your nap

[addierose444]

Fall 2020: Semester Summary

On Thursday, I turned in my last exam of the fall 2020 semester! Compared to other semesters, I had a lot more in the way of exams and projects. While it has surely been an atypical semester, things went a lot better than I expected. You can check out some of my other fall 2020 blog posts here. 

My favorite course this semester was mechanics (EGR 270). I enjoyed this class because I found the course material interesting and relevant. Mechanics builds on concepts learned in PHY 117 (or in my case, AP Physics C Mechanics). I was a little bit nervous about my preparedness because in high school I had done well in physics but had fully intended to retake it in college. One advantage that I had was that my high school physics teacher studied mechanical engineering in college and thus taught from that perspective. In mechanics, we started by learning about stress and strain. Throughout the semester we used equilibrium equations (Newton’s Second Law) to solve for unknown forces and moments (engineering term for torque). Specifically, we analyzed trusses, structures, and machines. We also found centroids and calculated moments of inertia. We finished the semester by drawing shear and bending moment (both of which are internal forces) diagrams. One thing that I appreciated about this class was learning multiple ways to solve a problem. For instance, for shear and bending moment diagrams you can use equilibrium equations, calculus, or sometimes little tricks. Here is a concept map that gives an overview of the topics covered in mechanics and how they relate. 

Another course that I enjoyed more than expected was discrete math (MTH 153). Even though I have taken math up through multivariable calculus, the course content was totally different and challenging in its own way. This was my least time-consuming class but required a surprising amount of mental energy (way more than I expected for a 100 level class). I definitely benefited from forming a study group with some of my classmates. This course in many ways reminded me why I love math. The course consisted of four units, logic, sets, functions, and additional topics. The overarching purpose was to introduce us to proof writing. I can’t say I love writing proofs, but I have definitely developed an appreciation for it. One particularly fun topic from the last week of class was combinatorics. Combinatorics problems are fun because they are like little puzzles with shocking huge numerical answers.

My most time-intensive course was multivariable calculus (MTH 212). And to be totally honest, we didn’t even get the full homework load. The course was fast-paced and covered a lot of material (6 chapters of our textbook). I generally liked the class, but am glad to not be a math major. Key topics include partial derivatives, multiple integrals, and vector functions. Taking multivariable calculus concurrently with mechanics and thermodynamics increased my appreciation for what I was learning. 

Speaking of thermodynamics (EGR 290), it really builds off of EGR 110. Specifically, the energy balance was a key equation we used. Solving thermodynamics problems is all about making appropriate simplifying assumptions and then applying the right equations. We also learned about various properties of pure substances including pressure, temperature, enthalpy, internal energy, and entropy. We did this conceptually, with equations, and with property tables and diagrams. We also studied the Second Law of Thermodynamics in its many formulations. Finally, we studied power and refrigeration cycles. 

At the beginning of the semester, the course I was most excited about was data structures (CSC 212). Unfortunately, this course was a bit too easy for me and thus not as interesting. I ended up sort of being a teaching assistant for the class. It wasn’t all a waste as I got valuable programming practice and an opportunity to communicate about code and computer science concepts. I also had a lot of fun with the final project where I built a course database and student schedule generator.  Another silver lining is that I have secured a paid job designing a programming contest for high schoolers!

My final course was private guitar lessons (MUS 914). While lessons over Zoom aren’t ideal, I am happy with the progress I made this semester. I primarily worked on improving my fingerpicking skills and technique. I shared this in my last post, but here is a video performance that I prepared for an upcoming recital. 

While online courses aren’t perfect, in my opinion, they are a strong aspect of remote college. The real challenge is not having in-person interaction for clubs and house events. Also, being at home is not what we signed up for as college students. This semester the clubs I was involved with were Uke Club and Smith’s chapter of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE). I am on the board of both clubs, which if I am totally honest, is the main reason I actually attended events. Uke Club met over Zoom every Friday at 6:00. This was sometimes a great way to end the week. However, other times I was already so exhausted by then and ready for my week to actually be over. As for SWE, we didn’t really do that much. We held a few game nights which were fun, but not super relevant to engineering or career preparation. My other main non-academic commitment was my ResLife job as a Remote Community Advisor (RCA). My role was to help develop community in my virtual house (Parsons) and support individual residents. I did this by having individual meetings, holding open hours, collaborating with house council, and just generally being active in the community. I also met twice a week with my supervisor (once one-on-one and another time with my fellow RCAs).

[addierose444]

Two Month Update: Fall 2020

Time is a curious thing, especially during a pandemic. Two months have elapsed since the first day of classes, so here is another update. You can read my last update here. In this update I will focus on my academics. You can check out my fall 2020 courses here and my entire list of course here. 

In mechanics (EGR 270), we are currently studying trusses. Last Thursday during lab, we got to use a cool piece of software for designing and analyzing bridges. In an in-person semester, sophomore engineers build physical model bridges. While I miss that hands-on experience, the software approach had benefits as well. Namely, we were able to continually iterate on and test our design. We have also started working on our final project. My engineering professor recognizes that being an effective engineer is not just technical skills and knowledge. Collaboration and knowledge building are also critical. Thus, our final project is to work in teams of 6-7 (larger than normal course projects) to research and explore a question/topic of interest related to mechanics. We organize our research using a software tool called Knowledge Forum. Here is a video about the knowledge building project from a previous year’s mechanics class. My group is studying the mechanics of muscle. We are still in the exploration phase and thus don’t yet have an overarching question. I was originally excited to study the mechanics of guitars. Unfortunately, this topic didn’t prove to be popular enough among my peers. 

In thermodynamics (EGR 270), we are learning about cycles. Specifically, we just studied the refrigeration and Carnot cycles. This followed our introduction to basic engineering devices such as nozzles, compressors, and pumps. Thermodynamics really builds off of EGR 110 as we are constantly using energy balances. Thermodynamics is inherently more conceptually difficult than mechanics. 

In multivariable calculus (MTH 212), we are just starting to learn about double integrals. Double integrals are used to compute volumes. We also recently concluded our chapter on partial derivatives. This weekend we have a take home exam. Another focus of the course is vectors and vector valued functions.

In discrete math (MTH 153), we are just starting to learn how to write induction proofs. Our last unit was about functions and their properties. There were familiar concepts from calculus, such as the domain and range (also called image) of a function. There were also totally new concepts like the codomain and preimage. Overall, discrete math is related to but also so different from calculus track math courses. The big focus of the course is learning how to write proofs. We also learn various theorems and properties.

In data structures (CSC 212), we are continuing to learn java. While it’s true that the course has been a lot of review, I have still gotten valuable programming practice. It’s nice to never have to read the text and thus spend all my time coding. Last week we used java to read and write to text files. I have worked with files in other programming languages, but I don’t think I had done it in java before. Next week we will be learning about more complex data structures like the linked list. I am familiar with them from CS50 but am excited to better understand them and use them in java. (You can check out my review of Harvard’s CS50 here). 

In guitar, I am learning Coat of Many Colors by Dolly Parton. Even though the guitar part I am learning is relatively easy, singing and playing together is very difficult. 

It has been fun to see the same topics come up in my different classes. It is interesting to see the different perspectives and which concepts are emphasized. For example, I was first introduced to partial derivatives in thermodynamics. For the purposes of thermodynamics, all we really needed to learn was a new notation. Later, in multivariable calculus, we spent a whole chapter learning about and computing partial derivatives. Another example is how we were formally introduced to sets in discrete mathematics. In computer science, we started by learning about arrays and then wrote programs to check set properties. One thing that is not so fun is that in calculus we tend to have the x-axis coming out of the page whereas in mechanics we tend to have the z-axis coming out of the page. 

I am currently in the process of planning my spring course schedule. It is fun to look through the course catalog, but dealing with time conflicts is a bit stressful. Speaking of the spring, we are supposed to hear about Smith’s plan before Thanksgiving break. I really want to return to campus, but am working hard to not get my hopes up. 

[addierose444]

One Month Update: Fall 2020

It honestly seems surreal that we have already made it through 5 weeks of the semester. Things are obviously quite different in a remote format and I definitely miss being at Smith. Even so, it has been great to be back in formal classes. Sure, I took a bunch of free online courses this summer but that’s not the same as having actual professors and classmates. One of the most difficult aspects of remote college has been the amount of time spent on Zoom. Furthermore, when not on Zoom I am often still on the computer doing homework. You can click here to read about the apps I use in college. 

In terms of classes, I have been really enjoying both of my engineering classes. Admittedly, it’s not the same without the full hands-on lab components. My thermodynamics course (EGR 290) is supplemented with short demo videos which are fun. For mechanics (EGR 270), we got to “do” a lab with the Instron machine at Smith. Even though we didn’t get to physically touch the machine, there were 5 cameras to make it as immersive as possible. Furthermore, we worked in groups of four and thus had ample opportunity to ask questions. 

Calculus III (MTH 212) has been a challenging and fast-paced course. Part of why calculus III is difficult is that it is recommended to take linear algebra (MTH 211) first or concurrently. While I generally enjoy math, I am still glad that Calc III is my final math class. Technically I still need to take a statistics class, but that will be through the department of statistics and data science (SDS).

My other math class this semester is discrete math (MTH 153). The class focuses on proof writing which is fairly new to me. We have also been studying basic logic and set theory. This course has translated well to the online format, but I really don’t like having class until 4:30 on Friday afternoons. 

My last academic course is data structures (CSC 212). As I already knew Java coming into the class the first few weeks have been a bit too easy. That said, I have gained valuable experience from explaining concepts to others and working through the more challenging optional problems. I am currently toying with the idea of building a team and entering a programming competition. 

In my guitar lessons, I have been working on Carolina Breakdown by Etta Baker and on improving my fingerpicking technique.

Outside of classes, I have been busy with my house community. We still have weekly teas and have been engaging asynchronously via Discord. Uke club has been having weekly jam sessions. It’s a little sad because when we play only one person has their microphone on. For SWE, we have had some preliminary meetings and elected the rest of our board. Tangentially related to SWE, I have been helping with STEAM Halloween. We are still in the early stages of planning, but STEAM Halloween is going to be a week of community programming focused on STEAM (Science, Engineering, Technology, Art, and Math). STEAM Halloween is being put on by the Smith College Art Museum, Design Thinking, and the Jandon Center for Community Engagement. My team consists of a few other members of SWE, the engineering department’s lab supervisor, and a technician from the Center for Design & Fabrication (CDF). Our team will be focused on developing some STEM-focused programming. 

[addierose444]

Update on Fall 2020

Around noon on August 5, I checked my email in case there was an update on my housing assignment and/or financial aid. Instead, I received the heartbreaking news that Smith is going to be fully remote for Fall 2020. The most up to date information can be found here. My initial reaction was fairly mild as I couldn’t even process the words I was reading. The tears and deep disappointment were to come later. 

I had just started to count down the days until my August 23rd arrival date. All summer I have been looking forward to returning to campus. In all honestly, it has been the finish line that has pushed me through the most difficult moments. I have taken this pandemic seriously because it is the right thing to do, but also because I selfishly really wanted to return to campus. I was convinced that schools with less robust plans were going to be forced to revoke those plans. Since I believed we had a very solid plan, the reversal took me by complete surprise. You can read my initial thoughts and plans here. While the decision seemed sudden, I know the truth is that circumstances have changed and that throughout the process careful consideration has been given to the safety of students, faculty, and the local community.

While I am not thrilled about fully online courses, it is really the residential experience that I am most disheartened to lose. A decision has not yet been made about the spring and realistically I may be facing a whole year of remote college. That potential reality is part of what makes this moment so challenging. I love my family, but college from home is really not how I envisioned my Smith experience. Furthermore, I find myself trying to honestly evaluate if study abroad is still a priority. Quoting myself from a month ago, it is “hard to justify a whole year off-campus.” Even so, I have maintained my decision to enroll. The key underlying reasons are that I want to make forward progress and don’t have an exciting alternative. There are still many unknowns such as how remote lab courses will function and if I will still have a job in Res Life. The reality is that I am not the only Smithie and Smith isn’t the only college to be fully remote. Thus, I am not worried about this decision having strong negative effects on my future. Namely, it’s not my fault that I will be taking fully online classes. Furthermore, I feel extremely fortunate to be at a top college like Smith. 

My last post about this coming year was full of optimism. I’ll be honest and say that a lot of that optimism is gone. One positive is that by staying in Vermont I may be better shielded from the virus. I also get to be with my family during this scary time. Additionally, not having to pay for room and board is a big plus. 

[addierose444]

Remote College

Last week, I wrote about the academic component of remote college. This week I am writing more generally about what remote college has been like. 

Social Life:

As an introverted person who has plenty of access to safe outdoor space, I am probably better off than most. However, the social aspect of college is still what I miss the most. On a regular day, the only non-digital faces I see are my parents and dogs. During a school day, I also see my professors and some classmates over Zoom. On Mondays during lunch, I continue to attend the French Table. While it’s now over Zoom, it still provides a nice bit of continuity from my on-campus college experience. Language tables are an informal time to practice speaking in and listening to your target language. As someone at an intermediate level of French, I appreciate getting the chance to communicate with Smithies at an advanced level along with students who are actually from France. I also like that I have been able to meet French professors that I may have in future semesters. Language tables are offered in a variety of languages and prior to going virtual, they took place in the side rooms of Chuckett (Chase-Duckett dining hall). 

I have kept in contact with college friends via text, phone, and FaceTime, but it's really not the same. At Smith, I really enjoyed being an active member of Hubbard. I loved being involved with house council, attending weekly house teas, and eating dinners with my housemates. A few weeks ago, we actually had a house tea over Zoom which was a lot of fun. My ukulele club no longer meets, but we have an online chat on Discord where we can post song recommendations. The song I am currently listening to on repeat is the Dixie Chicks’ new song Gaslighter. They have an album of the same name coming out next month which I am really looking forward to. Another upside is that my extended family has been able to connect over Zoom. 

Campus:

I didn’t expect to miss the physical campus as much as I have. I live in a beautiful place and have gone on nice walks here in Vermont, but there is just something I miss about being on campus. Partly it’s just the independence of being a college student paired with the support of not yet being thrown in the “real-world”. It wasn’t until now that I have fully appreciated simply walking around campus between classes. I also miss just looking out my window at Ford Hall.

Smith Community: 

While I have been really missing campus and seeing friends on a daily basis, I have been reminded of how amazing the Smith community is by a wonderful virtual exchange of encouragement between Smithies. Some students started an email chain of sorts. The structure is difficult to explain (and I don’t think everyone understood how it was supposed to work), but I will try to outline it here. The email itself was just an explanation of the initiative and contained a list of two names. The second name was the person who sent you the email and the first name was the person who had sent it to them. The actual words of encouragement were the words that recipients of the email shared with the person in the first position of the list. I chose to share Carole King’s “You've Got a Friend”. After sending the words of encouragement you were instructed to make a copy of the email, update the list of names, and send it to some friends. I have since received some wonderful poems from other Smithies (including people I’ve never met).

[cardantiquejewelrystylevqs]

Overseas Intellectual acquirement Consultants Modernistic India

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