New Technology

If you’ve ever struggled to find the perfect image for a blog post, presentation, or project, you’re not alone. Stock photos can feel overused, and creating your own visuals from scratch isn’t always realistic. That’s where AI image generators come in—and honestly, they’re kind of a game changer. Think of AI image tools like a construction crew for your ideas. Instead of bricks and concrete, you’re working with words. You describe what you want, and the AI “builds” it for you. Sometimes it nails it perfectly… and other times, it’s like a robot holding blueprints upside down (which, let’s be honest, can be part of the fun).

I have been very unfamiliar with using AI tools (my age is showing again). I used ChatGPT to give me some ideas on how to write a good prompt. Using good prompts = a blog post about good prompts! Genius!! My first attempt to get a good prompt out of ChatGPT included a lengthy description of good prompting ideas. I remembered what I watched in one of the YouTube videos about defining a persona, giving the context of what I needed, asking for a goal, and needing an output. This was much better for the prompt. I used another prompt to make it shorter and include using bullet points/lists to make it easier to read. This seemed to be the ticket to give me really great content in a useful way. Here is what my final prompt gave me: AI tools can be incredibly helpful for learning, writing, and brainstorming. However, the quality of the response you get often depends on the  quality of the prompt you give . When prompts are unclear or poorly written, AI may give answers that are too broad, ...

Needless to say, this is my first time ever writing or reviewing blogs. If you look at my first blogs, I didn't even know how to put a title for the blog post! I have found a few fundamental best practices for the blogs I review. Now I recognize how blogs can share information, build up personal learning networks, and distribute information easily. Here are 3 tips I have found which make blogs more interesting. Organize Blogs With Clear Sections Bold headings and larger text can get the attention of the reader. This makes organizing content easier to read. Breaking up information into smaller sections also helps readers follow the main ideas without feeling overwhelmed with content. Focus On Providing Value Great blogs always focus on giving something useful to the audience. For me, I look at a few construction management blogs. If the value is not important to me, I skip them. Helpful information, tips, new ideas, and new technology are topics which provide value. Readers should f...

In looking for a video for my PLN, I have found a content creator who specifically focuses on great project manager YouTube content. Along with adding him to my PLN, I have found a video he created with some strategies of a successful construction project manager. In Jason Schroeder's videos he talks a lot about creating a good team, which I also have found to be an important step in managing projects. This is great video to go along with that theory. Another benefit of finding videos is that it allows project managers to keep learning and improving their skills. The construction industry is always changing with new technology, tools, and building methods. Watching videos can help project managers stay up to date without needing to attend expensive trainings or seminars. There are videos that explain project management software, scheduling techniques, budgeting strategies, and leadership skills. Being able to pause, rewind, and rewatch videos also makes it easier to fully understan...

Modifying house plans is a critical part of the construction process because no project ever goes exactly as originally designed. While blueprints provide the foundation, real-world factors like budget constraints, site conditions, client preferences, material availability, and code requirements often require adjustments along the way. Being able to thoughtfully modify house plans ensures that the final product is both functional and aligned with the homeowner’s vision. It also helps prevent costly mistakes by addressing issues early instead of forcing a design that doesn’t quite fit the realities of the build. In this video, I show a house plan designed to have a basement. This particular build has a foundation which does not allow for basement construction. Without scrapping the entire plan, I have shown how to make a small change of location for a certain room. For project managers, flexibility is one of the most valuable skills they can bring to a job site. Construction is dynamic,...

As a construction project manager at Idaho State University, I use Bluebeam regularly, and I’ve come to realize that it’s more than just a PDF markup tool. It’s actually a powerful learning resource. I mentioned this software program in my last blog, not even thinking some people might not know what this software is. Bluebeam is a software program designed for working with construction documents. It allows users to view, mark up, measure, and organize digital drawings and PDFs. Instead of printing plans and making handwritten notes, everything can be done digitally and shared with others instantly. What makes Bluebeam stand out is how interactive it is. Users can add comments, symbols, measurements, and even custom tool sets that match industry standards. This turns static drawings into something much more engaging and educational. There are different price plans for Bluebeam, allowing it to be a full function project management software and the less expensive PDF tool software.